Meaning and Usage
"道" (みち) primarily means "road" or "street" and is used to refer to physical paths or streets where people walk or vehicles travel. It is a very common noun in everyday conversation and appears frequently in directions and travel contexts.
Common Collocations
- 道をまっすぐ行く (go straight on the road): used when giving directions.
- 道に迷う (get lost): a common phrase when someone loses their way.
- 道のり (distance or journey): often used metaphorically to describe a process or life journey.
Nuances and Register
"道" is a neutral word suitable for both casual and formal situations. It can also be used metaphorically to talk about life paths or ways of doing things.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "道" with "通り" (とおり), which also means street but often refers to a more specific or named street. "道" is more general and can mean any road or path, including rural or unpaved ones.
Understanding these nuances will help you use "道" naturally in various contexts, from giving directions to discussing life metaphors.