How to say "crossroads" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 辻つじnounA crossroads or street corner where roads meet. The word has a traditional, literary flavor and is often seen in place names.
- 十字路じゅうじろnounThe plain, neutral word for a crossroads or intersection where roads cross. Suits ordinary description of streets, routes, and traffic.
- 岐路きろnounA forked road, chiefly figurative: a crossroads or turning point in life or history, where one must choose a direction; seldom the word for an actual street intersection.
- 分かれ道わかれみちnounA road that forks or branches, used both literally, for a fork in a path or trail, and figuratively, for a point in life where one's course divides and a choice must be made.
- 四つ角よつかどnounA crossroads or street corner in everyday spatial talk, such as giving directions or describing where to turn; the image is of the corner itself rather than the roads.
For a literal crossing of roads, choose 十字路, 辻, or 「四つ角」; for a fork in the road or a figurative turning point, 岐路 or 「分かれ道」 are the words to consider.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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