Translation guide
In British English, a motorway is a major road designed for fast traffic, with multiple lanes and limited access. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 高速道路 (kōsoku dōro), but there are nuances depending on context.
motorway
Commonly abbreviated to 高速 (こうそく) in casual speech.
The speaker wants to refer to a motorway in general, without specifying a particular type or name.
The standard word for 'motorway' or 'expressway'. It is widely understood and used in both spoken and written Japanese.
There was an accident on the motorway.
Driving on the motorway is tiring.
A common abbreviation of 高速道路, used in casual conversation. It can also appear in compound words like 高速バス (express bus).
Let's get petrol before we get on the motorway.
The speaker wants to refer to a specific motorway by its name or number.
In Japan, motorways have names like 東名高速道路 (Tōmei Expressway) or 首都高速道路 (Shuto Expressway). When referring to a specific British motorway, you can say 'M1' as is, or describe it as 'M1高速道路'.
The M1 is often congested.
There was an accident on the Tomei Expressway.
The speaker is talking about the motorway network as a whole, or the concept of motorways.
Literally 'motorway network'. Used in formal or technical contexts.
Japan's motorway network is well developed.
The speaker is talking about the act of driving on a motorway, or using it for travel.
高速道路 (kōsoku dōro) is the general term for expressways. 自動車道 (jidōsha dō) is used in official names like 東名高速道路, but is less common in everyday speech. Stick with 高速道路 for general use.
The Tomei Expressway is also officially called the Tomei Motorway.
In American English, 'highway' can refer to any main road, not necessarily a controlled-access motorway. In Japanese, 高速道路 specifically means a controlled-access expressway. For a general main road, use 幹線道路 (かんせんどうろ) or simply 道路 (どうろ).
The motorway was closed due to heavy snow.
Is there a service area on this motorway?
Please get off the motorway at the next exit.