Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'going on foot' depends on context. The most common way is to use the verb 歩く (to walk) or the phrase 徒歩で (on foot). There is no single direct translation; instead, choose the expression that fits the situation.
To say that you go somewhere by walking, as opposed to using a vehicle.
This is the standard way to say 'go on foot'. 徒歩 means 'walking' or 'on foot', and で marks the means.
駅までは徒歩で行けます。
You can go to the station on foot.
Is it difficult to go on foot?
The verb 'to walk'. Use this when the focus is on the action of walking rather than the means of transport.
学校まで歩きます。
I walk to school.
歩いて行きましょう。
Let's go on foot. (lit. Let's walk and go.)
The te-form of 歩く plus 行く, emphasizing the manner of going. Very common in casual speech.
歩いて行くよ。
I'll go on foot.
Noun meaning 'walking' or 'going on foot'. Often used in signs or formal contexts, like '徒歩5分' (5 minutes on foot).
駅から徒歩5分です。
It's a 5-minute walk from the station.
To talk about walking as an activity, not just a means of transport.
To take a walk, stroll. Implies a leisurely walk for pleasure or exercise.
公園を散歩しましょう。
Let's take a walk in the park.
Can also be used for walking as exercise, often with distance or duration.
毎日1時間歩いています。
I walk for an hour every day.
To explicitly contrast walking with using a vehicle.
Pattern for offering a choice: 'Shall we walk, or...?'
歩くか、それともバスに乗る？
Shall we walk, or take the bus?
Negative form: 'not on foot'. Used to say you went by some other means.
徒歩でなく、車で行きました。
I didn't go on foot; I went by car.
徒歩で is more formal and often used in written directions or signs. 歩いて is more conversational and emphasizes the action of walking. Both are correct for 'on foot'.
English 'on foot' is an idiom. Avoid literal translations like 足の上で (on top of feet). Use 徒歩で or 歩いて instead.
普段は徒歩で通勤しています。
I usually go to work on foot.
この辺りは車より徒歩の方が早いです。
It's faster to go on foot than by car in this area.