公道
こ
う
ど
う
Meanings
1
public road; highway
Refers to roads open to the public, often in legal or traffic contexts.
When riding a bicycle on public roads, you must obey traffic rules.
2
righteousness; justice; right path
Abstract moral sense; often used in philosophical or ethical discussions.
He always strives to follow the path of righteousness.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉が公道を走るfor a vehicle to drive on a public road
This car cannot be driven on public roads.
- 公道を貫くto uphold righteousness/justice consistently
He was a man who upheld righteousness throughout his life.
- 公道に出るto come out onto a public road
You need to be careful when pulling out from a private road onto a public one.
- 公道でスピードを出すto speed on a public road
Speeding on public roads is dangerous.