Meaning and Usage
"舗装" (ほそう) refers specifically to the act or result of paving a road or surface, typically with asphalt or concrete. It is a noun used in contexts related to construction, civil engineering, and urban infrastructure.
Common Contexts
You will often see "舗装" in news reports about roadworks, city planning, or maintenance. It is a formal term and mostly used in written or official speech rather than casual conversation.
Collocations and Patterns
- "舗装工事" (ほそうこうじ): paving construction work
- "舗装道路" (ほそうどうろ): paved road
- "舗装が完了する": the paving is completed
- "舗装が滑りやすい": the pavement is slippery
These collocations help you talk about the condition, process, or type of paved surfaces.
Usage Tips
When using "舗装," remember it focuses on the surface layer of roads or paths. It is not used for general covering or wrapping. Also, avoid confusing it with "包装" (ほうそう), which means packaging. The two words sound similar but have very different meanings.
Summary
Use "舗装" when discussing road surfaces, construction, or maintenance. It is a technical term that appears in formal contexts and is essential vocabulary for topics related to infrastructure and civil engineering.