Japanese word

国道

Pronunciation

Romajikokudō

Meaning

  • nounnational highway

Example

国道をまっすぐ進むと、駅に着きます。koku dō o ma ssu gu susu mu to eki ni tsu ki ma su

If you go straight along the national highway, you will reach the station.

Illustration for 国道 (national highway)

More examples

大雨のため、国道が通行止めになっています。ō ame no ta me koku dō ga tsū kō to me ni na tte i ma su

The national highway is closed because of the heavy rain.

Core concept

Refers to a designated major route that connects regions and supports travel across the country.

Common phrases

  • 国道を走るkoku dō o hashi ru

    drive on the national highway

  • 国道を渡るkoku dō o wata ru

    cross the national highway

  • 国道から外れるkoku dō ka ra hazu re ru

    leave the national highway

Similar words

高速道路kōsokudōro: A road reserved for high-speed travel, with restricted access and few intersections.
県道kendō: A road whose designation and management belong to a prefectural government.

Definition in Japanese

国が指定する、全国の主要な都市や地域を結ぶ重要な道路。kuni ga shi tei su ru zen koku no shu yō na to shi ya chi iki o musu bu jū yō na dō ro

Word origin

国道 (kokudō) combines 国 (koku, "country") with 道 (dō, "road or way"), so the compound names a road connected with the nation.

Usage tips

  • In Japan, national highway signs commonly show a route number inside a blue inverted triangle, giving travelers a quick visual cue for a 国道 (kokudō).

Word lists with this word