1.
crossing; passage
The act or place of crossing over something, such as a river, road, or body of water.
川の渡りは危険だ。
The river crossing is dangerous.
渡り鳥が南へ飛んでいく季節になった。
The season has come for migratory birds to fly south.
この橋は昔から渡りの要所として使われてきた。
This bridge has been used as an important crossing point since ancient times.
2.
connection; dealings; opportunity
A convenient connection or opportunity, especially in the expression 渡りに船 (a boat at the crossing — a fortunate opportunity arriving at just the right moment).
渡りに船とはこのことだ。
This is exactly what they mean by 'a boat at the crossing.'
引っ越したいと思っていたら、友人が部屋を紹介してくれて、渡りに船だった。
I was wanting to move, and then a friend introduced me to an apartment — it was perfect timing.
転職を考えていた矢先にスカウトの電話があり、まさに渡りに船だった。
Just when I was thinking about changing jobs, I got a scouting call — it was truly a godsend.
USAGE:
The noun form of the verb 渡る (to cross). Used in compounds and set expressions.
KEY EXPRESSION:
渡りに船: literally "a boat at the crossing" — describes a fortunate opportunity that appears at exactly the right moment. Similar to the English "just what the doctor ordered" or "a godsend."
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 渡り鳥: migratory bird
- 渡り廊下: covered walkway connecting buildings
- 渡り歩く: to wander from place to place
- 渡りに船: a fortunate coincidence