道路
dōro[do̞ːɾo̞]
The English word 'road' can be translated into Japanese as 道路 (dōro) or 道.
Meaning: a way for travel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 道路 | dōro | [do̞ːɾo̞] (narrow) |
| 道 | michi | [do̞ː] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for a road depending on whether you are discussing physical infrastructure or a more general, often metaphorical, path. 道 is used for a general path, a street or even a spiritual or philosophical 'way', such as a way of life. 道路 refers specifically to roads in a technical, official or infrastructural sense.
Which one should you use?
道 is a general term for a path or street and can be used metaphorically. In contrast, 道路 is more technical and is used when referring to official roads or legal/administrative contexts. While 道路 focuses on the infrastructure, 道 can also mean a method or a way of doing things.
How do you pronounce it?
dōro
Did you know?
- The kanji 道 can be read as michi when referring to a path and dō when it is part of a compound word like 道路.
- The term 道 is a cognate with the Mandarin word dào, reflecting the deep philosophical influence of Taoism on the concept of 'the way'.
- The word 道 is used to name traditional Japanese arts like 柔道 'judo' or 茶道 'tea ceremony', where it signifies a lifelong path of mastery.
Examples in context
- 道は閉鎖中だ。The road is closed.This sentence uses 道 to describe a road that is closed.Tatoeba #13127484 by small_snow, translation #1815715 by Spamster
- この道でいいの？Am I on the right road?This sentence uses 道 to ask if one is on the right road.Tatoeba #220313 by small_snow, translation #57633 by CK
- 道間違えたかな？Am I on the wrong road?This sentence uses 道 to express a doubt about being on the correct road.Tatoeba #3479881 by tommy_san, translation #259726 by CK
- 私たちは住宅街の道路を歩いていました。(Watashitachi wa jūtakugai no dōro wo aruite imashita.)We were walking on the residential area road.
- こちらの道路を直進してください。(Kochira no dōro wo chokushin shite kudasai.)Please go straight on this road.
- ショッピングセンターへ行く道はどっち？(Shoppingu sentā e iku michi wa docchi?)Which way to the shopping center?
- あの小路は自転車でも通れるよ。(Ano kōji wa jitensha demo tooreru yo.)You can pass through that narrow road even by bicycle.
- 178 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Hiroto are discussing the traffic situation while driving.
- 陽葵 Himari道路がとても混んでいますね。Dōro ga totemo konde imasu ne.The road is very crowded, isn't it?
- 大翔 Hiroto事故があったみたいだ。Jiko ga atta mitai da.It looks like there was an accident.
- 陽葵 Himari別の道路を探しましょう。Betsu no dōro o sagashimashō.Let's look for another road.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね。ナビを確認するよ。Sō da ne. Nabi o kakunin suru yo.Good idea. I'll check the GPS.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “road” translations and entries 道路, 道, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 道, 道路, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
