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.
A cat came out of the alley.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.