Cruzar vs. atravesar
The words 'cruzar' and 'atravesar' in Spanish have similar meanings and are often used interchangeably to mean 'to cross' or 'to go across'. However, there are subtle differences in the contexts where each term is applied.
Cruzar
'Cruzar' usually means to cross from one side to the other, especially when referring to streets or boundaries. It generally implies a short, simple move from one place to another.
Vamos a cruzar la calle cuando el semáforo esté en verde.
(We are going to cross the street when the traffic light is green.)
Deberías mirar ambos lados antes de cruzar la carretera.
(You should look both ways before crossing the road.)
El río es muy ancho, no creo que puedan cruzarlo a nado.
(The river is very wide, I don't think they can cross it by swimming.)
Atravesar
'Atravesar', on the other hand, while it also means 'to cross', it typically implies going through something more significant or extensive, such as a difficult situation, a large region or even a period of time.
Está atravesando una situación financiera muy difícil.
(He is going through a very difficult financial situation.)
Para llegar a la ciudad, tenemos que atravesar la montaña.
(To reach the city, we have to go across the mountain.)
Hemos atravesado un largo período de sequía.
(We have gone through a long period of drought.)
Summary
'Cruzar' and 'atravesar' both refer to moving from one place or state to another. However, 'cruzar' is generally used in simpler contexts such as crossing a street or boundary, while 'atravesar' often implies traversing something more significant or extensive.