Translation guide
The English word 'valley' refers to a low area between hills or mountains, often with a river. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 谷 (たに), but there are several other words depending on size, shape, and context. This guide helps you choose the right term.
valley (general)
valley (scenic gorge)
valley (basin)
To refer to a valley in a general geographic sense, such as a low area between mountains or hills, often with a river or stream.
The most common and general word for 'valley'. It can be used for valleys of various sizes, from small mountain valleys to larger ones.
The village is in a deep valley.
Refers to a valley with steep sides, often a gorge or ravine, typically with a river. It has a more scenic or dramatic nuance.
Literally 'valley space', often used for a narrow valley or a hollow between mountains. Can also be used metaphorically for a gap or cleavage.
Means 'valley bottom' or 'valley floor'. Used when specifically referring to the bottom part of a valley.
To describe a wide, flat valley, often between mountain ranges, sometimes called a basin or plain.
Refers to a basin or a broad valley surrounded by mountains. It is a geographical term for a large, relatively flat area.
To use 'valley' in the name of a location, such as 'Silicon Valley' or 'Yosemite Valley'.
In Japanese place names, 'valley' is often expressed by attaching 谷 (たに or だに depending on the preceding sound) to the name. For foreign place names, it is often left as バレー (baree) or translated.
Silicon Valley
To use 'valley' in a figurative sense, such as a low point in life or a dip in a graph.
The word 谷 can be used metaphorically for a low point, trough, or depression, similar to English.
谷 (たに) is the general term for any valley. 渓谷 (けいこく) implies a steep-sided, often scenic valley with a stream, like a gorge. 盆地 (ぼんち) is a geographical term for a basin, a wide valley surrounded by mountains. Use 谷 for everyday conversation, 渓谷 for dramatic landscapes, and 盆地 for geographical descriptions.
We camped in a valley.
The valley was covered in mist.
Going down the valley, there was a river.
その渓谷は紅葉で有名だ。
The valley is famous for its autumn leaves.
谷間の小さな集落。
A small settlement in a valley.
谷底には川が流れている。
A river flows at the bottom of the valley.
Kyoto is in a basin.
Means 'plain' or 'flatland'. While not exactly 'valley', it can be used for wide, flat areas that may be part of a valley system.
The Kanto Plain is a vast valley-like terrain.
Yosemite Valley
For well-known foreign valleys, the katakana word バレー (baree) is commonly used, especially in proper nouns.
Death Valley is in the desert.
In life, there are peaks and valleys.
economic trough
Can be used figuratively for a gap or interval, such as a lull or a space between things.
generation gap
The gorge scenery is wonderful.
The Kofu Basin is surrounded by mountains.
While バレー is used for some foreign place names like シリコンバレー, it is not a general translation for 'valley'. Use 谷 or other appropriate terms for natural valleys.
a beautiful valley
They live in a small valley in the Alps.
The river carved a deep valley over millennia.