道
[do̞ː]
The English word "path" can be translated into Japanese as 道.
道 refers to a physical road, way or path used by pedestrians. It is also commonly used in a metaphorical sense to describe a way of life or a path toward a specific goal, such as success.
Meaning: a trail for the use of, or worn by, pedestrians (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 道 literally means road, way or path.
Which one should you use?
While 道 is the general term for a path or road, you can use 小道 to specifically emphasize that a path is small or narrow, such as a lane or a small trail.
Did you know?
- The word 道 functions as a suffix in the names of many traditional Japanese disciplines. For instance, the 'way' of martial arts is found in 柔道 'judo' and the 'way' of the sword is part of many samurai traditions.
- The word 道 is used to describe a person's specific professional field or area of expertise in formal contexts.
- When the character 道 is used in Japanese names, it often serves as 'ateji'. This means the character is chosen for its sound or meaning rather than its standard pronunciation or literal definition.
Examples in context
- 君は成功への通り道にいる。You're on the path to success.This example shows the use of 道 in the context of a path to success.Tatoeba #7838828 by Ninja, translation #7836329 by CK
- 自分の道は自分で決めなよ。You choose your own path.This example demonstrates using 道 to describe choosing one's own life path.Tatoeba #9453546 by small_snow, translation #9453545 by DJ_Saidez
- 私たちは狭い道を歩いていった。We walked along a narrow path.This example shows how to describe walking along a narrow 道.Tatoeba #165913 by small_snow, translation #248591 by CK
- 私は山でハイキングをするのが好きで、細い道に沿って歩きます。I love hiking in the mountains, following the narrow path.
- 駅までの道を教えていただけますか？Could you show me the way to the station?
- 彼は庭の小路をきれいな石で舗装しています。He is paving the garden path with beautiful stones.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are walking in a park.
- 結衣 Yuiこの道、歩きやすいね。Kono michi, arukiyasui ne.This path is easy to walk on, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね、とても綺麗だよ。Sou da ne, totemo kirei da yo.It is, it's very beautiful.
- 結衣 Yui陽太君、もっと先へ行く？Youta-kun, motto saki e iku?Youta, do you want to go further ahead?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、もっと歩こう。Un, motto arukou.Yeah, let's walk more.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 道, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 道, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
