Translation guide
The English phrase "go on foot" means to travel by walking. In Japanese, this is most naturally expressed with the verb 歩く (aruku) or the phrase 徒歩で (toho de). The choice depends on context, such as whether you are emphasizing the mode of transportation or simply describing an action.
Expressing the action of moving on foot, either as a general statement or in contrast to other modes of transport.
The most common and natural verb for 'to walk'. Use this for everyday situations when you want to say you will walk somewhere.
駅まで歩きます。
I'll walk to the station.
毎日30分歩いています。
I walk for 30 minutes every day.
Literally 'go by foot'. This is more formal and often used when specifying the mode of transportation, such as in directions or comparing with other methods.
駅までは徒歩で10分です。
It's a 10-minute walk to the station.
バスを使わずに徒歩で行きます。
I'll go on foot instead of taking the bus.
The te-form of 歩く plus 行く, meaning 'go by walking'. This is very natural in casual conversation and emphasizes the action of walking to get somewhere.
ちょっと遠いけど、歩いて行こう。
It's a bit far, but let's walk there.
雨が降っているから、歩いて行きたくない。
It's raining, so I don't want to walk there.
Stating that the method of travel is walking, often in contrast to vehicles or when giving estimated time.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'on foot'. Commonly used in signs, directions, and formal descriptions.
駅から徒歩5分です。
It's a 5-minute walk from the station.
徒歩で行ける距離です。
It's within walking distance.
The noun form of 歩く, often used in compounds like 歩きで (by walking). More casual than 徒歩.
歩きでどのくらいかかる？
How long does it take on foot?
歩く is a verb meaning 'to walk', while 徒歩で is an adverbial phrase meaning 'on foot'. Use 歩く when the action of walking is the focus, and 徒歩で when specifying the mode of transport, especially in formal contexts or when giving times/distances.
毎日歩くのは健康にいい。
Walking every day is good for your health.
駅まで徒歩で何分ですか？
How many minutes on foot to the station?
徒歩 is somewhat formal and can sound stiff in casual conversation. In everyday speech, 歩いて行く or simply 歩く is more natural unless you are specifically contrasting with other transport or giving an official time estimate.
歩いて行かない？
Shall we go on foot?
歩いて行く方が好きです。
I prefer to go on foot.
It'll take at least 30 minutes on foot.