Japanese · Travel & Places
道
michi
Road / Way / Path
Beginnernoun
Definition
Refers to a road, street, or path. Also used metaphorically to mean a way or method, as in 茶道 (sadou, the way of tea).
Example
この道をまっすぐ行ってください。
Please go straight along this road.
Etymology
The word 道 (michi) means 'way' or 'path' and has roots in ancient Japanese, corresponding to the Chinese character 道 (dao) that signifies the same concept. In Japanese culture, it also has philosophical implications, often associated with a moral or spiritual path.
How & Where It’s Used
道 is used in various contexts, both formal and informal, and appears in spoken and written language. It is often used metaphorically to describe life paths or philosophies, such as 武道 (budō) for martial arts.
Literary Heritage
道は一つの通りかもしれないが、道のりは無限である。