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.
この道をまっすぐ行ってください。
Please go straight along this road.
人生は長い道です。
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.
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.
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.
道 (michi) is the general word for road, path, or way. 道路 (dōro) is more formal and refers to public roads or roadways. 通り (tōri) is used for streets in urban areas and often appears in street names.
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.
成功への道は簡単ではない。
The road to success is not easy.
お寺の裏に細い道がある。
There's a narrow road behind the temple.
この道は駅に通じている。
This road leads to the station.
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.
A highway or main road, often used for historic routes like the Tōkaidō.
旧東海道を歩く。
Walk along the old Tōkaidō road.
National highway or route. Used for major roads connecting cities.
国道一号線は混んでいる。
National Route 1 is congested.
Expressway or freeway. Used for toll roads with limited access.
高速道路に乗る。
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.
空港までの行き方を調べる。
Look up how to get to the airport.
Used in street names, often with the suffix 〜通り (dōri).
明治通りを渡る。
Cross Meiji-dori.
Used in some road names, especially in Hokkaido.
札幌の大通公園
Odori Park in Sapporo (literally 'big road park')
自分の道を進む。
Follow your own road/path.