Translation guide
A sign giving information or directions, often found on roads or in public spaces.
A physical sign along a road or path that shows directions, distances, or place names.
A guidepost or signpost along a road or path, often traditional or stone. Can also be used metaphorically.
A general term for guide signs, especially official road signs with directions.
高速道路の案内標識は緑色です。
Guide signs on expressways are green.
A general word for any sign or marker, including traffic signs. Often used in compounds.
A signboard, often for shops or advertisements. Not typically used for directional road signs.
Something that serves as a guide or indicator for future actions or decisions.
道標 (みちしるべ) is specifically a guidepost or signpost, often traditional or metaphorical. 標識 (ひょうしき) is a general term for signs, especially traffic signs. 看板 (かんばん) is a signboard for shops or advertisements, not used for directional road signs.
The English word 'signpost' is often translated literally as サインポスト, but this is not commonly used in Japanese. Use the terms above instead.
古い道標が交差点に立っている。
An old signpost stands at the intersection.
あの標識には何て書いてあるの？
What does that sign say?
駅前に大きな看板がある。
There's a big signboard in front of the station.
Used metaphorically to mean a guide or beacon in life or a process.
この本は人生の道標となるだろう。
This book will serve as a signpost in life.
A guiding principle or policy, like a compass needle.
この計画は今後の指針となる。
This plan will serve as a signpost for the future.
An index or indicator, often used in statistics or economics.
GDPは経済の重要な指標だ。
GDP is an important signpost of the economy.