Translation guide
A small bridge for pedestrians, often crossing a river, stream, or road. In Japanese, the most common word is 歩道橋 (hodōkyō) for urban pedestrian overpasses, while 人道橋 (jindōkyō) is a broader term. For a simple crossing in a garden or park, 橋 (hashi) alone is often sufficient.
A bridge over a road or railway for pedestrians, often with stairs or ramps.
The standard term for a pedestrian overpass, commonly seen in cities. It specifically refers to bridges for pedestrians over roads or railways.
あの歩道橋を渡ってください。
Please cross that footbridge.
駅前に新しい歩道橋ができた。
A new footbridge was built in front of the station.
A more formal term for a pedestrian overpass, literally 'crossing pedestrian bridge'. Used in official contexts.
この横断歩道橋は老朽化のため撤去されます。
This footbridge will be removed due to aging.
A bridge intended for pedestrians, which may cross a river, valley, or other natural feature, often in parks or rural areas.
A general term for a pedestrian bridge, often used for bridges in parks, over rivers, or as part of a trail. It can also include urban overpasses but is broader than 歩道橋.
この人道橋は観光名所になっています。
This footbridge has become a tourist attraction.
川に小さな人道橋がかかっている。
There is a small footbridge over the river.
Literally 'pedestrian-only bridge'. Used in signs or descriptions to emphasize that vehicles are not allowed.
この橋は歩行者専用橋です。
This bridge is a footbridge (pedestrian-only).
In many casual or scenic contexts, simply saying 橋 (hashi) is enough if it's clear from context that it's a small bridge for people. Adding 小さな (small) or describing the location makes it natural.
公園の小さな橋を渡った。
I crossed a small footbridge in the park.
あの橋は歩行者しか渡れない。
That bridge can only be crossed by pedestrians.
A very basic crossing made of stones or planks, often in a garden or shallow stream.
Stepping stones across a garden pond or stream. Not a bridge in the structural sense, but serves the same purpose in a traditional Japanese garden.
日本庭園の飛び石を歩くのは楽しい。
Walking on the stepping stones in a Japanese garden is fun.
A log bridge, a simple bridge made of a single log. Often found in rural or natural settings.
歩道橋 (hodōkyō) is specifically for crossing roads or railways, usually in urban areas. 人道橋 (jindōkyō) is a broader term for any pedestrian bridge, including scenic ones. If you're talking about a bridge in a park or over a river, 人道橋 is more appropriate. In casual speech, 橋 (hashi) often suffices.
If the bridge is obviously small and for people, you can often just say 橋 (hashi). Adding 小さな (small) or 歩行者用の (for pedestrians) clarifies if needed. Over-explaining with 歩道橋 in a garden setting sounds unnatural.
山道に丸木橋がかかっていた。
There was a log footbridge on the mountain trail.