Translation guide
The English word 'road' refers to a way for vehicles, people, or animals to travel. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 道 (michi), but there are many other words depending on context, such as 道路 (dōro) for public roads, 通り (tōri) for streets in town, and 街道 (kaidō) for highways or historic routes. This guide helps learners choose the right word for the situation.
To refer to a road in a general sense, a path, or a way to go.
The most common and versatile word for 'road', 'path', or 'way'. Can be used for physical roads, routes, or metaphorical paths.
Please go straight along this road.
Life is a long road.
Specifically refers to a public road or roadway, often used in official or technical contexts.
Refers to a street or avenue, often in a town or city, with a focus on the thoroughfare itself.
To refer to a major road, highway, or historic route.
A highway or main road, often used for historic routes like the Tōkaidō.
To ask for or give directions, or talk about the way to a place.
Used in phrases like 'the way to...' or 'how to get to...'.
To refer to a road as part of an address or proper name.
Used in street names, often with the suffix 〜通り (dōri).
To talk about a road in a figurative sense, such as a life path or career path.
Used metaphorically for a path in life, career, or personal development.
The road to success is not easy.
This road has a lot of traffic.
この通りには店がたくさんある。
There are many shops on this street.
Walk along the old Tōkaidō road.
National highway or route. Used for major roads connecting cities.
National Route 1 is congested.
Expressway or freeway. Used for toll roads with limited access.
Get on the expressway.
駅への道を教えてください。
Please tell me the way to the station.
Literally 'way of going', used for directions or how to get somewhere.
Look up how to get to the airport.
Cross Meiji-dori.
Used in some road names, especially in Hokkaido.
Odori Park in Sapporo (literally 'big road park')
自分の道を進む。
Follow your own road/path.
Specifically refers to one's course or path, often used for career or educational paths.
Be unsure about one's future path.
Road construction in progress
Main street
The loanword ロード (rōdo) exists but is mainly used in compound words like ロードマップ (roadmap) or ロードレース (road race). For a physical road, use native Japanese words.
There's a narrow road behind the temple.
This road leads to the station.