Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pedestrian" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pedestrian", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
横断歩道
おうだんほどう (ōdanhodō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
人通り
ひとどおり (hitodoori)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pedestrian" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 横断歩道 and 人通り.
In Japanese, 横断歩道 (おうだんほどう (ōdanhodō)) is typically associated with "pedestrian crossing, crosswalk" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A marked path for pedestrians to cross a street safely. Often found near traffic lights..
On the other hand, 人通り (ひとどおり (hitodoori)) maps to "pedestrian traffic, passersby" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the number of people passing by a specific location. Often used with 多い. A literal translation of "pedestrian" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "横断歩道"
横断歩道を渡るときは、左右をよく確認しましょう。
When crossing the crosswalk, let's make sure to check left and right.
Bilingual Context for "人通り"
この道は人通りが多いので、夜でも安心だ。
This street has a lot of pedestrian traffic, so it's safe even at night.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ を渡るときは、左右をよく確認しましょう。" (Meaning: "When crossing the crosswalk, let's make sure to check left and right.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "横断歩道" fits here because it means "pedestrian crossing, crosswalk" in the context of: "When crossing the crosswalk, let's make sure to check left and right.". "人通り" represents "pedestrian traffic, passersby".