fork in road, scene, arena, theater
巷 centers on a branching path or crossroads, extending naturally to the lively public spaces that form where paths meet: a scene, arena, or theater of everyday life.
巷 combines 共 (together) and 巳 (a winding shape), suggesting a place where paths come together and branch. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the crossroads idea is well established.
The top 共 suggests things coming together, and the bottom 巳 looks like a winding path. Picture a fork in the road where people gather, creating a lively scene like an open-air theater.
For コウ, imagine a bustling crossroads where a public announcement echoes: 'Call!' (コール) — the sound 'koh' cues コウ as people gather at the fork.
the public; the street (e.g. "word on the street")
on the street; around town; the world; the public
scene of carnage
much-talked-about; recently popular; in vogue
gossip; talk about town
rumour; rumor; gossip
skid row; underworld
red-light district; pleasure quarter
street gossips and idle rumors; hearsay
street gossips and idle rumors
narrow, dirty backstreet