cruzar
/kroo-SAHR/
to cross
The act of going across a physical space, like crossing a bridge.
cruzar(verb)
to cross
?to go across a physical space
,to traverse
?to move over a large area
to go over
?a barrier or line
📝 In Action
Tienes que cruzar la calle para llegar a la tienda.
A1You have to cross the street to get to the store.
El equipo logró cruzar la meta en primer lugar.
A2The team managed to cross the finish line in first place.
Vamos a cruzar el puente porque es más rápido.
A1We are going to cross the bridge because it is faster.
💡 Grammar Points
The Z to C Spelling Change
Because Spanish doesn't allow 'ze' or 'zi', the 'z' in cruzar must change to a 'c' whenever it is followed by an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense (crucé) and throughout the entire present subjunctive (cruce, crucemos, etc.).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Z/C Change
Mistake: "Yo cruzé la línea."
Correction: Yo crucé la línea. (Remember Z changes to C before E.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Direct Crossing
Unlike English, where you might say 'cross over,' cruzar already implies movement from one side to the other. You usually just say 'cruzar [the thing].'
To place one thing over another, such as crossing your arms.
cruzar(verb)
to cross
?to place one thing over another (e.g., arms, legs)
to fold
?when referring to arms or hands
,to intersect
?when lines or objects meet
📝 In Action
Ella cruza los brazos cuando está molesta.
B1She crosses her arms when she is annoyed.
Las dos líneas cruzan exactamente en el centro.
B2The two lines cross exactly in the center.
No cruces las piernas si llevas falda.
B1Don't cross your legs if you are wearing a skirt.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Reflexive for Exchange
When people exchange something (like glances or words), we often use the reflexive form cruzarse: 'Nos cruzamos unas palabras' (We exchanged a few words).
⭐ Usage Tips
Body Parts
When talking about crossing body parts (arms, legs), Spanish uses the definite article (los/las) instead of the possessive (mis/tus): 'Crucé los brazos' (I crossed my arms).
To meet someone by chance, often referred to as crossing paths.
cruzar(verb)
to cross paths
?to meet someone by chance
,to bump into
?to run into someone unexpectedly
to intersect
?when routes or schedules conflict
📝 In Action
Siempre nos cruzamos en el supermercado.
B2We always run into each other at the supermarket.
Si nuestros caminos se cruzan, tendremos problemas.
C1If our paths cross, we will have trouble.
Me crucé con mi antiguo jefe en el ascensor.
B2I bumped into my old boss in the elevator.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use for Chance Encounters
When using cruzarse to mean 'to meet by chance,' it must be reflexive (me crucé, nos cruzamos). It emphasizes that the event just happened to the speaker/subject.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'cross' and 'meet'
Mistake: "Yo crucé con mi amigo. (Attempting to say 'I met my friend.')"
Correction: Yo *me* crucé con mi amigo. (Adding the reflexive pronoun *me* makes it clear you ran into them by chance.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cruzar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cruzar' in the sense of 'to meet someone unexpectedly'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'cruzar' different from 'atravesar'?
Both mean 'to cross.' 'Cruzar' usually means going from one side to the other, like crossing a street or a river. 'Atravesar' often implies going *through* something or covering a larger, more difficult distance, like traversing a mountain range or going through a dense forest.
When should I use 'cruzar' and when should I use 'cruzarse'?
Use 'cruzar' (non-reflexive) when you are actively moving yourself or an object across a space ('Cruzo la calle'). Use 'cruzarse' (reflexive) when paths meet, either literally (two roads intersecting) or figuratively (running into a person by chance: 'Me crucé con ella').