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.
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.
This road is narrow.
The road to success is not easy.
この道路は交通量が多い。
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.
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.
Used in street names, often with the suffix 〜通り (dōri).
Cross Meiji-dori.
Used in names of historic highways.
Kōshū Kaidō (road)
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.
道路工事中
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.
お寺の裏に細い道がある。
There's a narrow road behind the temple.
This road leads to the station.