Translation guide
A maze is a complex network of paths designed to confuse. In Japanese, the most common word is 迷路 (meiro), but there are other terms depending on the type and context.
Referring to a physical puzzle with paths and walls, like a garden maze or a puzzle on paper.
The most common and general word for 'maze' or 'labyrinth'. Used for physical mazes, puzzle mazes, and metaphorical mazes.
子供たちは迷路で遊んだ。
The children played in the maze.
この迷路はとても難しい。
This maze is very difficult.
Often used for large, complex, or mythical labyrinths, like the Cretan Labyrinth. Can sound more literary or dramatic.
伝説の迷宮を探検する。
Explore the legendary labyrinth.
Specifically a maze made of hedges or bushes, often found in gardens or parks.
Literally 'hedge maze'. Used when you need to specify the material.
庭園の生け垣迷路で迷子になった。
I got lost in the garden's hedge maze.
Can be used for hedge mazes as well, especially if the context is clear.
あの公園には大きな迷路がある。
That park has a big maze.
A maze drawn on paper or in a game, where you trace a path from start to finish.
The standard term for puzzle mazes.
この迷路を解いてください。
Please solve this maze.
Explicitly 'maze puzzle', often used for activity books.
子供向けの迷路パズルの本。
A book of maze puzzles for children.
Describing a complex, confusing situation, like bureaucracy or a difficult problem.
Commonly used metaphorically for a confusing situation.
規則の迷路に迷い込んだ。
I got lost in a maze of regulations.
Emphasizes the complexity and difficulty of escaping the situation.
Describing a confusing layout of streets, alleys, or corridors.
Used for confusing street layouts.
旧市街は迷路のような路地だ。
The old town is a maze of alleys.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'maze-like', very common.
迷路のような廊下。
Maze-like corridors.
迷路 (meiro) is the everyday word for any maze or labyrinth. 迷宮 (meikyū) is more literary and often refers to grand, mythical, or inescapable labyrinths. In most casual contexts, 迷路 is sufficient.
The English word 'maze' is not related to the verb 'amaze'. To express 'amaze' in Japanese, use 驚かせる (odorokaseru) or びっくりさせる (bikkuri saseru).
彼は心の迷宮に閉じ込められた。
He was trapped in a labyrinth of his own mind.