Meaning
超越 means to go beyond or surpass something or someone, whether in terms of physical boundaries, achievements, or abstract concepts. It can refer to overtaking a competitor, exceeding expectations, or transcending limitations. The word carries a sense of advancement and breaking through previous limits.
Usage
Used in both formal and informal contexts. Commonly appears in motivational speeches, sports commentary, academic writing, and philosophical discussions. Often paired with objects like 对手 (opponent), 自己 (oneself), 极限 (limits), or 时代 (era). Can be used both transitively (超越某人/某物) and in more abstract philosophical contexts.
Examples
- 01他的成绩超越了所有人的期待。.His achievements surpassed everyone's expectations.
- 02要想成功，我们必须不断超越自己。, .To succeed, we must constantly surpass ourselves.
Characters
Common collocations
- 超越自己to surpass oneself
- 超越对手to surpass one's opponent
- 超越极限to transcend limits
- 超越时代to transcend the era
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters individually carry meanings of exceeding or going beyond. 超 originally depicted leaping or jumping over, while 越 meant to cross over mountains or barriers. Together they create an emphatic compound meaning to surpass.