大通り
ōdōri[o̞ːdo̞ːɾʲi]
The English phrase boulevard can be translated into Japanese as 大通り (ōdōri). If unsure, use 大通り. Wiktionary also lists ブールバード (būrubādo).
Meaning: broad, landscaped thoroughfare (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 大通り | ōdōri | [o̞ːdo̞ːɾʲi] (narrow) |
| ブールバード | būrubādo |
The term refers to a broad, landscaped thoroughfare.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 大通り is composed of 大 (big/large) and 通り (street/thoroughfare).
Which one should you use?
大通り is the standard Japanese term for a main street or boulevard, whereas ブールバード is a loanword used more specifically for stylized or Western-style boulevards in names or literature.
How do you pronounce it?
ōdōri
Did you know?
- In Sapporo, the most famous 大通り is not just a street but a massive central park that divides the city into north and south.
- The phenomenon of rendaku, where 通り becomes dōri in 大通り, is a common way Japanese words merge to sound more fluid.
- The word 通り (tōri) is actually a noun derived from the verb 通る (tōru), meaning 'to pass through' or 'to go along'.
Examples in context
- 明日友達と大通りで会います。Tomorrow, I will meet my friend on the boulevard.
- この大通りはとても広い。Kono oodoori wa totemo hiroi.This boulevard is very wide.
- 街路樹のある大通りを歩く。Gairoju no aru oodoori o aruku.I walk along the tree-lined boulevard.
- 大通りの向かいにカフェがあります。Oodoori no mukai ni kafe ga arimasu.There is a cafe across the boulevard.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Misaki are looking for a cafe in the city.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、あの大通りが見えるよ。Misaki, ano oodōri ga mieru yo.Misaki, I can see that boulevard over there.
- 美咲 Misaki本当だ！カフェはあの大通り沿いにあるね。Hontō da! Kafe wa ano oodōri-zoi ni aru ne.You're right! The cafe is along that boulevard.
- 大翔 Hirotoあそこまで歩いて行こう。Asoko made aruite ikō.Let's walk over there.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、行こう。Un, ikō.Yeah, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boulevard” translations and entries 大通り, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 大通り, CC BY-SA 4.0.
