Translation and Meaning of: 交差点 - kousaten

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 交差点 (こうさてん). It is common in everyday Japanese and appears in situations ranging from road signs to dialogues in animes. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in practice, as well as tips for memorizing it easily.

Understanding 交差点 goes beyond a literal translation. This word carries cultural nuances and plays an important role in everyday communication in Japan. Whether for those studying the language or for those planning to visit the country, knowing its correct usage is essential. Let's uncover all of this next, with practical examples and reliable information.

Meaning and use of 交差点

交差点 (こうさてん) literally means "intersection" or "crossroads". It refers to the point where two or more streets meet, forming a shared space for the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. In Japan, this word is widely used in traffic signs, maps, and urban directions.

In addition to its physical meaning, 交差点 can appear in more abstract contexts, such as discussions about important decisions or moments of change. For example, the expression "人生の交差点" (じんせいのこうさてん) symbolizes a crucial moment in life, where choices determine new paths. This duality of use makes the word even more interesting for language learners.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 交差点 is formed by three kanjis: 交 (こう), which means "intersection" or "exchange"; 差 (さ), which conveys the idea of "difference" or "distinction"; and 点 (てん), which can be translated as "point" or "place." Together, they create the concept of a location where paths cross and directions differ.

It is worth noting that the kanji 交 appears in other words related to meetings and exchanges, such as 交換 (こうかん - "exchange") and 交通 (こうつう - "traffic"). This connection helps to understand why it was chosen to compose 交差点. Knowing these radicals and their individual meanings facilitates the memorization not only of this word but of several other terms in the Japanese vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 交差点 is to associate it with everyday situations. If you have walked the streets of Japan, you must have seen this word on red or blue signs, indicating areas of caution for drivers and pedestrians. This mental image helps to create a practical connection with the term.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "次の交差点を右に曲がってください" (つぎのこうさてんをみぎにまがってください - "Turn right at the next intersection"). Using the word in real contexts reinforces your learning. In addition, apps like Suki Nihongo provide audio examples, helping with correct pronunciation.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 十字路 (Jūjirō) - crossroads
• 交差口 (Kōsaku) - Crossing point
• 分岐点 (Bunki-ten) - Bifurcation point
• 交わり (Magiwari) - Intersection
• 交点 (Kōten) - Point of intersection
• 交差点 (Kōsaten) - Crossing point
• 交差地点 (Kōsaten chiten) - Location of the intersection
• 交わる地点 (Magiwaru chiten) - Place where they cross
• 交差部 (Kōsabu) - Crossing section
• 交差点付近 (Kōsaten fukin) - Surroundings of the intersection
• 交差点周辺 (Kōsaten shūhen) - Area around the intersection
• 交差点界隈 (Kōsaten kaiwai) - Neighborhood of the intersection
• 交差点周囲 (Kōsaten shūi) - Intersection perimeter
• 交差点周辺地域 (Kōsaten shūhen chiiki) - Surrounding area of the intersection
• 交差点近辺 (Kōsaten kinpen) - Nearby the intersection
• 交差点周辺地区 (Kōsaten shūhen chiku) - District around the intersection

交差点

Romaji: kousaten
Kana: こうさてん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: crossing; intersection

Meaning in English: crossing;intersection

Definition: A place where several roads intersect.

Example Sentences - (交差点) kousaten

See below some example sentences:

交差点で右に曲がってください。

Kousaten de migi ni magatte kudasai

Please turn right at the intersection.

Turn right at the intersection.

• 交差点 - means "crossing" in Japanese.
• で - is a particle that indicates the place where the action takes place, in this case, "at the intersection".
• 右に - means "to the right" in Japanese.
• 曲がって - is the verb "curver" in the present tense and in the form -te, which indicates a continuous action.
• ください - is a polite way of asking for something in Japanese, in this case, "please turn to the right."

交差点には注意してください。

Kousaten ni wa chuui shite kudasai

Please pay attention at the intersection.

Be careful with the intersection.

• 交差点 - means "crossing" in Japanese.
• に - is a particle that indicates the location of the object of the sentence, in this case, the intersection.
• は - is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, the attention warning.
• 注意 - means "attention" in Japanese.
• してください - is an expression that means "please do" or "please pay attention."