Translation and Meaning of: 舗装 - hosou

The Japanese word 「舗装」, romanized as "hosou", refers to the act of paving or covering a surface, especially roads and sidewalks. The expression is composed of two kanji characters: 「舗」 and 「装」. The first, 「舗」 (ho), means "store" or "establishment", but it can also imply something like "extend" or "distribute". The second kanji, 「装」 (sou), is associated with "equip", "adorn", or, in this context, "cover". Together, they connote the idea of equipping a surface with a covering, typical of urban roads.

Historically, the practice of paving has its roots in ancient civilizations. In the Japanese context, the modernization and development of streets began to gain momentum during the Meiji and Taisho periods, when Western methods of civil engineering were adopted. Paving itself was a response to the need for infrastructure to support the growth of cities and facilitate transportation. Although the practice itself is not exclusive to Japan, the term 「舗装」 precisely encapsulates the concept in the Japanese language, highlighting the country's urban transformation over the centuries.

In addition to its most evident use in infrastructure, 「舗装」 can appear in more figurative contexts, sometimes referring to "paving the way" for something, even if not literally. This reflects a broader conceptualization of the word, insinuating preparation and meticulous establishment, just as paving is done step by step. The term is also related to the durability and resistance expected of a paved structure, essential characteristics for roads that face different weather conditions and constant use.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 道路面 (dōromen) - Road surface
• アスファルト (asufaruto) - Pavement material used on roads
• 鋪装 (hosō) - Paving in general
• 舗装道路 (hosōdōro) - Paved road

舗装

Romaji: hosou
Kana: ほそう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: floor; road surface

Meaning in English: pavement;road surface

Definition: Level the surface or place paving material on a road or space.

Example Sentences - (舗装) hosou

See below some example sentences:

この道路は舗装されています。

Kono dōro wa hosō sarete imasu

This road is paved.

• この道路 - this road
• は - (topic particle)
• 舗装されています - it is paved