街道
Meanings
Often refers to historical highways from the Edo period, but also used for modern main roads. The Edo-period connotation is strong in historical contexts.
The Old Tōkaidō was a major highway in the Edo period.
If you go straight along this main road, you'll reach the station.
Metaphorical use for a route to success or a career path. Often appears in compounds like 出世街道 (path to success) or エリート街道 (elite path).
See also: 出世街道 (しゅっせかいどう)
He is speeding along the fast track to success.
He has walked the elite path since he was young.
subdistrict (China)
Administrative division in China, equivalent to a subdistrict. Rare in everyday Japanese; mainly encountered in geographical or political contexts.
In China's administrative divisions, a subdistrict is at the same level as a township or town.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉街道を走るto drive along a highway (through a place)
I drove along the old Koshu Highway.
- エリート街道を進むto follow the fast track to success (as an elite)
After graduating from university, he followed the elite career track.
- 街道沿いに〈物・場所〉があるto be located along the highway
Old inns line up along the highway.