Translation guide
The English word 'street' can refer to a road in a city, the area around such a road, or a specific named thoroughfare. Japanese uses different words depending on context, and the most natural choice often depends on whether you're talking about the physical road, the neighborhood, or an address.
Referring to the physical paved road with buildings on one or both sides, typically in an urban area.
The most common and general word for 'street' as a road. It can be used for any street, from small lanes to major avenues.
This street is quiet at night.
A broader word for 'road' or 'path'. It can be used for streets, but is less specific than 通り. Often used in compounds or when the urban context is clear.
A more formal or technical term for 'street' or 'avenue', often used in city planning or official names. Not common in everyday speech.
Referring to a street by its proper name, often in addresses or directions.
Attach 通り (どおり) to the street name. This is the standard way to say 'X Street' in Japanese. Note the rendaku (voicing) from とおり to どおり.
Referring to the general area, shops, or atmosphere of a street, not just the road itself.
Referring specifically to the part of the road where cars drive, not the pedestrian walkway.
The roadway or carriageway. Use this when you need to distinguish the street from the sidewalk.
Referring to the street as a place of public life, sometimes with connotations of homelessness or crime.
Means 'on the street' or 'roadside'. Used for activities happening on the street, including homelessness or performances.
通り (とおり) specifically refers to a street in a built-up area, often with shops or houses. 道 (みち) is a more general word for road, path, or way. 道路 (どうろ) is a formal term for a roadway, often used in traffic contexts.
This street is a shopping district.
Please cross the main street.
Go straight along this street.
It's a street with beautiful roadside trees.
Main Street is this street.
He lives on Ginza Street.
Used for named streets in some contexts, especially in Chinese-influenced names or certain districts. Less common than 〜通り.
Chinatown is bustling with tourists.
For well-known foreign streets, the English name plus ストリート is often used, especially in tourist contexts.
Wall Street is a financial center.
通り can also refer to the area along the street, including shops and buildings. Context makes it clear.
There are many cafes on this street.
Means 'town' or 'district', but can be used to talk about a street's neighborhood or shopping area.
That street/area has many stylish shops.
Be careful when crossing the street.
A general term for 'road', can be used for the street as a traffic route.
The street is congested.
He plays guitar on the street.
An organization that supports people living on the streets.
Refers to the streets as a public space, often used in contexts like 'street interviews' or 'street campaigns'.
To answer a street interview.
山道を歩く。
Walk along a mountain path.
Road construction in progress.
While ストリート is understood, it's mainly used in proper names (like ウォールストリート) or trendy shop names. For everyday speech, use 通り or 道.
Please turn right at this street.