Translation guide
How to refer to the area next to a road, whether as a location, direction, or in common phrases like 'by the side of the road'.
Referring to the space or ground immediately next to a road, such as a shoulder, verge, or roadside.
The most common and neutral word for 'roadside' or 'side of the road'. Used for the edge of any road or path.
道端に花が咲いている。
Flowers are blooming by the side of the road.
彼は道端に座っていた。
He was sitting at the side of the road.
Specifically the 'shoulder' of a road, often used in driving or traffic contexts. More technical than 道端.
路肩に車を停めた。
I pulled over to the side of the road.
Literally 'the side of the road'. A straightforward phrase using 脇 (side). Slightly more formal or descriptive.
道路の脇にゴミが捨てられていた。
Trash had been dumped at the side of the road.
Emphasizes the very edge or end of the road. Less common for general roadside.
道の端を歩いてください。
Please walk along the edge of the road.
Indicating which side of the road something is located on, such as left or right side.
Use this pattern to specify the right or left side of the road. Replace [右/左] with the appropriate direction.
店は道の右側にあります。
The store is on the right side of the road.
道の左側を歩いてください。
Please walk on the left side of the road.
Same as above but using 道路 (road) which is slightly more formal or for larger roads.
事故は道路の左側で起きた。
The accident happened on the left side of the road.
Describing an action taking place next to a road, like standing, waiting, or selling.
Use 道端 with particle で to indicate the location of an action happening by the roadside.
道端で野菜を売っている。
They are selling vegetables by the side of the road.
子供たちが道端で遊んでいた。
The children were playing by the side of the road.
Similar to 道端で but using 道路脇, which can sound a bit more formal or specific to roads rather than paths.
道路脇で休憩した。
We took a break by the side of the road.
Describing something located or operating by the side of a road.
Attach の to 道端 to modify a noun, meaning 'roadside'.
道端の自販機で飲み物を買った。
I bought a drink from a roadside vending machine.
Means 'along the road', often used for things lining a road, like shops or trees. More literary or formal.
沿道の店はすべて閉まっていた。
All the roadside shops were closed.