temporary bridge; makeshift bridge; suspension bridge
A simple bridge, often a suspension or plank bridge, built temporarily or in a makeshift manner. Can refer to historical or rural structures.
An old makeshift bridge spanned the valley.
The temporary bridge was washed away by the rising water.
bridge; link; go-between; intermediary
Figurative use: a connection or intermediary between people, cultures, generations, etc. Often used in positive contexts of fostering understanding or cooperation.
Music serves as a bridge between nations.
He worked hard as a go-between for the two parties.
cliffside walkway; plank path
A walkway or path made of planks constructed along a cliff face or steep slope. Often found in mountainous or historical sites.
A plank path runs along the sheer cliff.
The tourists nervously crossed the cliffside walkway.
Most common kanji spelling for both literal and figurative bridges.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling, common in everyday writing.
Uncommon variant; 懸ける implies suspension, but this spelling is rarely used.
Alternative kanji spelling; 掛ける suggests hanging or spanning.
Archaic single-kanji form; not used in modern Japanese.
Rare compact form; mainly in historical or technical contexts.
Rare compact form; mainly in historical or technical contexts.
Archaic single-kanji form; not used in modern Japanese.
Compound of 掛け (kake, the continuative form of 掛ける 'to hang, suspend') + 橋 (hashi 'bridge'). The kanji 架け (from 架ける 'to construct a bridge') is commonly used for this word. The figurative sense developed from the image of a bridge connecting two sides.