Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 通り | tōri | [to̞ːɾʲi] (narrow) |
| 道 | michi | [do̞ː] (narrow) |
| 道路 | dōro | [do̞ːɾo̞] (narrow) |
| 街路 | gairo | [ɡa̠iɾo̞] (narrow) |
| ストリート | sutorīto | [sɨ̥to̞ɾʲiːto̞] (narrow) |
In Japanese, there are various terms for a street or road. While some words refer to general paths, others are used specifically for urban thoroughfares, formal administrative terms or even as loanwords for modern cultural contexts.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what kind of path you are describing. 道 is the most general term and can refer to any road, path or way, including both paved and unpaved routes. 通り is more specific, typically used for a major thoroughfare, an avenue or a named street. 道路 is a formal or technical term used in legal, administrative or official contexts, such as when discussing road laws. 街路 is a formal term used specifically to refer to streets within a city or an urban setting. Finally, ストリート is a loanword from English used in specific cultural contexts like 'street fashion' or 'street art'.
How do you pronounce it?
tōri
Did you know?
- The word 道 is used to name traditional Japanese arts, such as 茶道 for 'tea ceremony' or 書道 for 'calligraphy'. In these contexts, it refers to a lifelong spiritual path rather than a physical street.
- In some Japanese cities, streets are named based on the objects they once sold, such as 錦通り meaning 'brocade street', making the 通り a living map of ancient commerce.
- The word 通り is actually a noun derived from the stem of the verb 通る, which means 'to pass through' or 'to go along'.
Examples in context
- 道を渡った。I crossed the street.This sentence is useful for describing the action of crossing a 道.Tatoeba #10151278 by small_snow, translation #1078027 by keira_n
- 彼は通りを横切った。He walked across the street.This sentence is useful for describing walking across a 通り.Tatoeba #102007 by bunbuku, translation #301686 by CK
- 道の両側に桜がある。There are cherry trees on both sides of the street.This sentence is useful for describing the surroundings along a 道.Tatoeba #4212821 by small_snow, translation #4353143 by CK
- 204 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are walking through a beautiful shopping district.
- 美咲 Misakiこの通りはとても綺麗ですね。Kono toori wa totemo kirei desu ne.This street is very beautiful, isn't it?
- 蓮 Renはい、おしゃれな店が多いです。Hai, oshare na mise ga ooi desu.Yes, there are many stylish shops.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんは、この通りをよく歩きますか？Ren-san wa, kono toori o yoku arukimasu ka?Ren, do you walk along this street often?
- 蓮 Ren仕事の帰りに少し歩きます。Shigoto no kaeri ni sukoshi arukimasu.I walk it a little bit on my way home from work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “street” translations and entries 通り, 道, 道路, 街路, ストリート, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 通り, 道, 道路, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
