Translation guide
The English word 'alley' refers to a narrow street or passage, often between buildings. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 路地 (roji), but other terms exist depending on context, such as covered shopping streets or back lanes.
A small, often residential passageway between or behind buildings, typically not a main road.
The most common and general word for a narrow alley or lane, especially in residential areas. It can refer to any small back street.
猫が路地から出てきた。
A cat came out of the alley.
彼は路地に車を停めた。
He parked his car in the alley.
A side street or alley, often with a traditional or nostalgic feel. Commonly used in names of old-fashioned shopping or entertainment alleys.
この横丁には小さな居酒屋がたくさんある。
There are many small izakayas in this alley.
Literally 'back street', refers to a less-traveled road behind main streets, often wider than a 路地 but still secondary.
裏通りに面した店は静かだ。
Shops facing the back alley are quiet.
A narrow, often pedestrian-only street lined with shops, typically covered by a roof. Common in Japanese cities.
A shopping street or arcade, often covered and pedestrian-only. While not exactly an 'alley', it is the closest equivalent for a bustling, narrow shopping lane.
雨の日は商店街で買い物をする。
On rainy days, I shop in the covered alley.
Specifically a covered arcade street. Often used interchangeably with 商店街 when the street has a roof.
このアーケード街は夜遅くまで賑わっている。
This covered alley is bustling until late at night.
A very narrow space between buildings, sometimes just wide enough for a person or for utility access.
Also used for very narrow gaps between buildings, though context may clarify the size.
路地は人が一人通れるくらいの幅しかない。
The alley is only wide enough for one person to pass.
Literally 'narrow path', can refer to any thin passage, including between buildings.
A facility for bowling. This is a distinct meaning from a street.
The standard term for a bowling alley. Note that 'alley' here is part of a compound and not translated as a street.
週末にボウリング場に行かない？
Want to go to the bowling alley this weekend?
The English 'alley' in 'bowling alley' is not translated as 路地. Use ボウリング場 instead.
路地 is the most general for narrow alleys. 横丁 often implies a traditional or nostalgic shopping/drinking lane. 裏通り is a back street, usually wider and less residential.
家と家の間の細道を通り抜けた。
I passed through the narrow alley between the houses.