橋
hashi[ha̠ɕi]
The Japanese word for bridge is 橋 (hashi). If unsure, use 橋. Wiktionary also lists 橋梁 (kyōryō).
Meaning: construction or natural feature that spans a divide (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 橋 | hashi | [ha̠ɕi] (narrow) |
| 橋梁 | kyōryō | [kʲo̞ːɾʲo̞ː] (narrow) |
A bridge refers to a construction or a natural feature that spans a divide.
Which one should you use?
橋 is the standard, everyday term used in general conversation and writing. In contrast, 橋梁 is a technical or formal term used specifically in engineering, construction or official documents to refer to bridge structures.
How do you pronounce it?
hashi
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful with the pitch of hashi, as changing the pitch can turn the meaning from 'bridge' into 'chopsticks' (箸) or 'edge' (端).
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, certain bridges are viewed as symbolic boundaries between the human world and the spiritual realm, often featuring distinct architectural styles to signal this transition.
- In Japanese, the word for 'bridge' 橋 and the word for 'stairs' 階 are cognates. Both originally described a connection between two different areas.
Examples in context
- 橋は石造りだ。The bridge is made of stone.This sentence is useful for describing the material a 橋 is made of.Tatoeba #180117 by wat, translation #18977 by CK
- 橋は修理中です。The bridge is being repaired.This sentence is useful for describing the status of a 橋.Tatoeba #180119 by bunbuku, translation #18979 by CK
- この橋を通るな。Don't cross this bridge.This sentence is useful for giving a command regarding a 橋.Tatoeba #10820480 by small_snow, translation #2250420 by CK
- Kono hashi wa kirei da ne (このはしはきれいだね)This bridge is beautiful, isn't it?
- 81 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are walking toward a river.
- 陽太 Yotaあそこの橋を渡りましょう。Asoko no hashi o watarimashou.Let's cross that bridge over there.
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね。あちらに行きましょう。Ii desu ne. Achira ni ikimashou.Sounds good. Let's go that way.
- 陽太 Yotaこの橋はとても景色がいいです。Kono hashi wa totemo keshiki ga ii desu.The view from this bridge is very nice.
- 結衣 Yui本当だ。きれいな景色ですね。Hontou da. Kirei na keshiki desu ne.You're right. It's a beautiful view.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bridge” translations and entries 橋, 橋梁, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 橋, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
