分かれ道・別れ道・わかれ道・分れ道・別れ路|わかれみちwakaremichi[3]nakadaka (mid-high)
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Which spelling to use
分かれ道分かれ道（わかれみち） is the most common written form, using mixed kanji and kana. It is the appropriate choice for beginners writing this word.
別れ道別れ道（わかれみち） is less common than 分かれ道（わかれみち） and is another mixed kanji-and-kana spelling. Beginners should use 分かれ道（わかれみち） instead.
わかれ道わかれ道（わかれみち） is less common than 分かれ道（わかれみち） and uses mixed kana and kanji. It is a written variant, not the recommended choice for beginners.
分れ道分れ道（わかれみち） is less common than the preceding forms and is written with mixed kanji and kana. Beginners should choose 分かれ道（わかれみち）.
別れ路別れ路（わかれみち） is the least common of these written forms and uses mixed kanji and kana. For beginner writing, use 分かれ道（わかれみち） instead.
Definitions
- nounbranch road; forked road; branch; fork; crossroads
- nouncrossroads (of a course of events); turning point; parting of the ways
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym分岐点ぶんきてんWrittenA fork or junction point; written/formal prose. Stresses the very point where roads—or destinies—divide, and is more formal than 「分かれ道」.
- Antonym単一路WrittenA single road with no branches; the opposite of 「分かれ道」, where one faces a fork in the road.
Use 「分かれ道」 for a place where a road splits, or for a critical juncture in life, as in 「人生の分かれ道」. In written or formal prose, use 「分岐点」 for a turning point. 「単一路」 is the antonym: one road, no fork.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
