1.
the other shore; the far bank; the opposite side of a river or body of water
The bank or shore on the opposite side of a river, lake, or other body of water from where the speaker is. Can also be used figuratively for something that feels distant or unreachable.
Compound of 向こう (the other side; over there) + 岸 (shore; bank). The reading changes to ぎし through 連濁 (sequential voicing).
Common collocations
- 向こう岸に渡る: to cross to the other side
- 向こう岸が見える: the far shore is visible
- 川の向こう岸: the opposite bank of the river
Usage
Sometimes used metaphorically to mean something distant or out of reach, similar to "the other side" in English. In Buddhism, 彼岸 (the other shore) represents enlightenment or the afterlife.