Translation guide
The English word "bridge" covers physical structures, metaphorical connections, and specific technical uses. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A structure built to cross a river, road, railway, etc.
The general word for a bridge. Used for most physical bridges.
あの橋を渡ってください。
Please cross that bridge.
この橋は去年完成しました。
This bridge was completed last year.
A formal or technical term for bridge, often used in engineering contexts.
橋梁の設計には高度な技術が必要です。
Bridge design requires advanced technology.
The bony upper part of the nose between the eyes.
Refers to the bridge or ridge of the nose. Commonly used in descriptions of facial features.
彼女は鼻筋が通っている。
She has a straight nose bridge.
Anatomical term for the bridge of the nose. Rare in everyday speech.
鼻梁の骨折は痛みを伴います。
A fracture of the nasal bridge is painful.
The raised platform from which a ship is commanded.
The standard term for a ship's bridge.
船長は船橋にいます。
The captain is on the bridge.
Loanword from English, used in maritime contexts, often in technical or international settings.
A fixed dental restoration used to replace missing teeth.
The common term in dentistry, borrowed from English.
歯のブリッジを作ってもらいました。
I had a dental bridge made.
Explicitly says "tooth bridge" for clarity.
歯のブリッジが取れてしまいました。
My dental bridge came off.
The card game bridge.
The standard name for the card game.
週末に友達とブリッジをします。
I play bridge with friends on weekends.
Something that connects two things, reduces differences, or serves as a transition.
Literally 'suspension bridge', but often used metaphorically for a connection between people, cultures, etc.
音楽は文化の架け橋です。
Music is a bridge between cultures.
Acting as an intermediary or go-between; bridging a gap between parties.
To serve as a bridge (metaphorical). Often used in formal contexts.
この協定が平和への懸け橋となることを願います。
I hope this agreement will serve as a bridge to peace.
A contrasting section in a song that prepares for the return of the original material.
Commonly used in music terminology.
この曲のブリッジがとても好きです。
I really like the bridge of this song.
A position in wrestling where the body is arched backwards.
Used in wrestling and gymnastics.
レスリングの練習でブリッジをしました。
We practiced bridges in wrestling training.
When using 'bridge' metaphorically, do not simply say 橋 (はし). Use 架け橋 (かけはし) or 橋渡し (はしわたし) to convey the idea of connection or mediation.
For dental, music, card games, and wrestling, ブリッジ is the standard term. Using Japanese-origin words may cause confusion.
ブリッジからの指示を待ってください。
Please wait for instructions from the bridge.
彼が両者の橋渡しをしてくれた。
He acted as a bridge between the two parties.