Translation and Meaning of: 歩道 - hodou

The word 「歩道」 (hodou) in Japanese refers to the path or trail designated for pedestrian use. Composed of the kanji 「歩」 (ho) meaning "to walk" or "step", and 「道」 (dou) meaning "road" or "path", together they form the concept of "a path for walking". Through this combination, the word captures the essence of its function in society: to provide a safe and separate space for pedestrians amidst urban and rural traffic.

Etymology and Origin

The kanji 「歩」 is derived from an ideogram that represents a person walking, symbolizing the human act of locomotion. On the other hand, the kanji 「道」 originated from the representation of a road or path, something quite present in traditional culture as the idea of a "path" or "way" in a spiritual and philosophical sense, as seen in Taoism (道教). Thus, the term 「歩道」 was created to clearly describe the physical space intended for pedestrian movement, separating it from areas used by vehicles.

Historically, the construction of「歩道」 intensified with the modernization of Japan, when cities began to grow and traffic became more complex. Urban planning started to prioritize pedestrian safety, leading to a larger incorporation of sidewalks. Thus, 「歩道」 became an essential part of urban infrastructures, not only in Japan but globally, where the term and concept have been widely adopted. Today, 「歩道」 can be found in almost all urban areas, facilitating mobility and ensuring safety for pedestrians.

In addition to its practical use, the word 「歩道」 also symbolizes the right to move safely, something that is highly valued in contemporary societies. It is interesting to observe how the expression has adapted in different cultures, always reflecting the concern for the well-being and safety of pedestrians. Therefore, this balance between vehicles and people in an urban environment is essential for the sustainable functioning of modern cities.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 歩行者専用道 (Hokōsha sen'yōdō) - Pedestrian-only road
• 歩行者道 (Hokōsha dō) - pedestrian path
• 歩行者用道路 (Hokōsha yō dōro) - Street intended for pedestrians
• 歩行者専用通路 (Hokōsha sen'yō tsūro) - Exclusive lane for pedestrians
• 歩行者専用の道路 (Hokōsha sen'yō no dōro) - Street that is exclusive for pedestrians
• 歩行者専用の通路 (Hokōsha sen'yō no tsūro) - Corridor that is exclusive for pedestrians
• 歩行者用通路 (Hokōsha yō tsūro) - Corridor designated for pedestrians
• 歩道 (Hodō) - Sidewalk
• 歩道通り (Hodō dōri) - Sidewalk path
• 歩道道路 (Hodō dōro) - Calçada Street
• 歩道の道路 (Hodō no dōro) - Sidewalk road
• 歩道の通路 (Hodō no tsūro) - Sidewalk corridor
• 歩道の道 (Hodō no michi) - Sidewalk path
• 歩道の道筋 (Hodō no dōsuji) - Sidewalk route
• 歩道の通り道 (Hodō no tōrimichi) - Path that passes by the sidewalk
• 歩道の通り (Hodō no tōri) - Path that belongs to the sidewalk
• 歩道の通い道 (Hodō no kayoi michi) - Frequent path along the sidewalk
• 歩道の通い路 (Hodō no kayoi ro) - Frequent route along the sidewalk

歩道

Romaji: hodou
Kana: ほどう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: trail; catwalk; sidewalk

Meaning in English: footpath;walkway;sidewalk

Definition: Separations on both sides of a road designed to allow pedestrians to walk safely.

Example Sentences - (歩道) hodou

See below some example sentences:

歩道を歩くのは健康に良いです。

Hodō o aruku no wa kenkō ni yoi desu

Walking on the sidewalk is good for your health.

Walking on the sidewalk is good for your health.

• 歩道 - Pedestrian path
• を - object particle
• 歩く - to walk
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 健康に - healthily
• 良い - good
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

両側には歩道があります。

Ryōgawa ni wa hodō ga arimasu

There are sidewalks on both sides.

• 両側 - means "both sides" in Japanese.
• に - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the location of something.
• は - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 歩道 - It means "sidewalk" in Japanese.
• が - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• あります - It is a Japanese verb that means "to exist".