Translation guide
A passageway is a long, narrow space that connects different areas, such as a corridor in a building, an alley between buildings, or a path through a natural setting. Japanese has several words depending on the type and context.
A passage inside a building connecting rooms.
The most common word for a hallway or corridor inside a building, such as in a house, school, or office.
Please don't run in the hallway.
There's someone in the hallway outside the room.
A narrow passage between buildings, often outdoors.
Refers to a narrow alleyway or lane between buildings, common in urban areas.
That alley is very narrow.
There's a small shop in the back alley.
A side street or alley, often with a traditional or nostalgic feel, sometimes lined with small eateries.
A narrow route through a natural area like a forest, mountain, or field.
A tunnel-like passage, often for pedestrians, under a road or building.
An underground passageway, typically for pedestrians to cross under a road or railway.
Please use the underground passage at the station.
A general term for a passageway or aisle, can be used for covered walkways, corridors in stores, or paths between seats.
A concealed passage, often in castles or old buildings.
廊下 (ろうか) is specifically an indoor corridor, like in a house or school. 通路 (つうろ) is broader: it can be an aisle on a plane, a walkway in a store, or a covered passage between buildings. Use 廊下 for typical hallways and 通路 for functional passageways or aisles.
In a residential context, 廊下 is the natural word for a hallway. Using 通路 might sound like you're describing a commercial or public passageway.
横丁には飲み屋がたくさんあります。
There are many bars in the side street.
This is an animal passageway.
An aisle seat on the plane, please.
This passageway leads to the station.