Translation guide
An overpass is a bridge that carries a road or railway over another road, railway, or obstacle. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 陸橋 (rikkyō), but other terms like 跨線橋 (kosenkyō) and 高架橋 (kōkakyō) are used depending on context.
A bridge carrying a road over another road or railway, typically in urban areas.
The most common and general term for an overpass. Used for both road-over-road and road-over-railway bridges.
あの陸橋を渡ってください。
Please cross that overpass.
この陸橋は渋滞が多い。
This overpass has a lot of traffic jams.
Specifically an overpass crossing over railway lines. Often used for pedestrian bridges at stations.
駅の跨線橋を渡って反対側のホームへ行く。
Cross the station overpass to get to the opposite platform.
Refers to an elevated bridge or viaduct, often a long stretch of raised road or railway. More technical and used for larger structures.
高速道路の高架橋が街を横切っている。
The expressway overpass cuts across the city.
A bridge for pedestrians to cross over a road or railway.
The standard term for a pedestrian overpass or footbridge.
歩道橋を渡って向こう側に行こう。
Let's cross the pedestrian overpass to the other side.
A bridge that carries a railway line over a road or other obstacle.
General term for a railway bridge, including overpasses. Often used when the railway is elevated.
鉄道橋の下を車が通る。
Cars pass under the railway overpass.
Short for 'girder bridge' or 'guard', commonly used in urban areas for a railway overpass, especially a low-clearance one. Often seen in place names like 〇〇ガード.
陸橋 is the most general term for an overpass. 跨線橋 specifically crosses railway lines and is often used for pedestrian bridges at stations. 高架橋 refers to a longer elevated structure, like a viaduct, and is more technical.
In urban areas, ガード is frequently used for low railway overpasses, especially those with height restrictions. It's a colloquial term derived from 'girder'.
A more formal term for a pedestrian overpass, literally 'crossing pedestrian bridge'. Often used in official contexts.
横断歩道橋が設置された。
A pedestrian overpass was installed.
This overpass has a height restriction.