noun
way; set of practices; rules for conduct
Refers to a discipline, art, or moral path, often as a suffix (e.g., 茶道, 武士道).
See also: 道 (みち)
茶道は日本の伝統的な道の一つです。
The tea ceremony is one of Japan's traditional ways.
彼は武士道を重んじている。
He values the way of the samurai.
noun
moral education (school subject)
Abbreviation of 道徳教育, used in the context of Japanese school curriculum.
See also: 道徳教育
小学校では「道」の授業があります。
In elementary school, there is a 'moral education' class.
noun
Refers to the teachings of Buddhism; often in religious or philosophical contexts.
仏の道を説く。
Preach the Buddhist teachings.
noun
Specifically refers to Taoism as a philosophy or religion.
老子は道の思想を広めた。
Laozi spread the philosophy of Taoism.
noun
administrative region of Japan (Hokkaido)
Used in the name of Hokkaido (北海道) as a regional designation.
北海道は日本の最北端の道です。
Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost administrative region.
noun
historical administrative region (Tokaido, Tosando, etc.)
Historical term for ancient Japanese regions; not used in modern administration.
東海道は江戸時代の主要な道の一つだった。
The Tokaido was one of the major historical regions in the Edo period.
noun
Administrative division in Korea, equivalent to a province.
韓国には九つの道がある。
There are nine provinces in South Korea.
noun
circuit (historical Chinese region)
Historical administrative division in China; not in modern use.
唐の時代、中国は道に分けられていた。
During the Tang dynasty, China was divided into circuits.
noun
Specifically refers to the Tang dynasty administrative unit.
唐の道は後の省の原型となった。
The Tang-era provinces became the prototype for later provinces.
みち is the common standalone word for 'road' or 'path', while どう is mainly used in compounds and formal contexts.
Sino-Japanese reading of 道, originally from Middle Chinese. Used in compounds and formal names.