How to say "intersection" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 交差こうさnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbRefers to the crossing or intersecting itself — roads, lines or paths crossing each other — rather than the junction as a place. For the road junction, 交差点 is the usual word.
- 辻つじnounA native word for a crossroads, also covering a street corner. For an ordinary road junction with traffic, 交差点 is the usual choice, so 辻 is seldom what you want for that sense.
- 交差点こうさてんnounThe word you want for a road intersection: the point where roads meet and traffic crosses. Use it for junctions on streets, when giving directions, or when describing traffic.
- 十字路じゅうじろnounA crossroads — literally the image of two roads crossing to form a cross. It fits when picturing the crossroads itself; for a traffic intersection, 交差点 is the usual word.
For a road junction with traffic use 交差点; 交差 names the crossing or intersecting itself, 十字路 pictures a crossroads where two roads cross, and 辻 is a native word for a crossroads or street corner.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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