Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 十字路口 | shízìlùkǒu |
| 路口 | lùkǒu |
| 交叉 | jiāochā |
The term for intersection varies depending on whether you are describing a specific shape, a general junction or the act of crossing. 十字路口 refers to a physical location where roads meet in a cross shape. 路口 is a broader term used for any junction, entrance or exit where one road meets another, such as a T-junction or a street entrance. 交叉 is typically used as a verb meaning 'to cross' or an adjective meaning 'intersecting'.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 十字路口 literally means 'cross-shaped road mouth'.
Which one should you use?
十字路口 specifically refers to a cross-shaped intersection. In contrast, 路口 is a more general term for any road entrance, exit or junction, including T-junctions. While the other two terms are nouns for a location, 交叉 is often used as a verb meaning 'to cross' or an adjective meaning 'intersecting'.
How do you pronounce it?
shízìlùkǒu
Did you know?
- The term 十字路口 is frequently used as a metaphor in Chinese literature and song to describe a critical turning point or a life-changing decision in a person's journey.
- In Chinese, the word 路口 literally uses the word for 'mouth' 口 to describe the opening of a street. This 'mouth' metaphor is used for many openings, such as the 'mouth' of a cave or a bottle.
- The specific term for a crossroad, 十字路口, contains the character 十, which is the number 'ten' but also represents the shape of a 'cross'.
Examples in context
- 這個十字路口很危險。This intersection is dangerous.This sentence uses 路口 to describe a dangerous intersection.Tatoeba #9176191 by xjjAstrus, translation #3226540 by CK
- 请在下一个十字路口右转。Turn right at the next intersection.This sentence uses 路口 to give directions for a turn at the next intersection.Tatoeba #4147433 by sissima, translation #658059 by CK
- 在十字路口右转。Turn right at the intersection.This sentence uses 路口 to give a command to turn right at the intersection.Tatoeba #389828 by fucongcong, translation #722540 by kebukebu
- 请问，最近的路口在哪里？Excuse me, where is the nearest intersection?
- 过繁忙的路口时要小心。Be careful when crossing the busy intersection.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Xiaowen and Junjie are driving together in a car.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我们在哪个十字路口转弯？Wǒmen zài nǎge shízìlùkǒu zhuǎnbān?Which intersection do we turn at?
- 俊杰 Junjie就在前面的那个十字路口。Jiù zài qiánmiàn de nàge shízìlùkǒu.Just at the next intersection ahead.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是向左转还是向右转？Shì xiàng zuǒ zhuǎn háishì xiàng yòu zhuǎn?Do we turn left or right?
- 俊杰 Junjie到了十字路口请向左转。Dàole shízìlùkǒu qǐng xiàng zuǒ zhuǎn.Please turn left when you reach the intersection.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “intersection” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
