Meaning and Usage
The word 歩道 (ほどう) refers specifically to a pedestrian walkway or sidewalk, the part of the street designated for people to walk safely separated from vehicle traffic. It is a common term used in everyday conversation, especially when giving directions or talking about street safety.
Common Contexts
歩道 is often mentioned when discussing traffic safety, urban infrastructure, or walking routes. It is used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in practical, everyday speech.
Collocations and Patterns
- 歩道を歩く: to walk on the walkway; a basic phrase for describing pedestrian movement.
- 歩道が広い／狭い: describing the width of the walkway, important for comfort and safety.
- 歩道橋 (ほどうきょう): pedestrian bridge; a compound word combining 歩道 and 橋 (bridge).
Usage Tips
When using 歩道, remember it specifically means the pedestrian path, not the road or street itself. Learners sometimes confuse 歩道 with 道 (road) or 通り (street), but 歩道 always refers to the pedestrian area. It is polite and neutral in tone, suitable for all levels of formality.
Summary
Use 歩道 when talking about sidewalks or pedestrian paths to clearly indicate the safe walking area separated from vehicles. It is a practical word useful for daily conversation about city navigation and safety.