Japanese word

繁華街

Pronunciation

Romajihankagai

Meaning

  • noundowntown

Example

駅前の繁華街は夜もにぎやかです。eki mae no han ka gai wa yoru mo ni gi ya ka de su

The downtown area near the station is lively even at night.

Illustration for 繁華街 (downtown)

More examples

週末になると、若者が繁華街に集まります。shū matsu ni na ru to waka mono ga han ka gai ni atsu ma ri ma su

Young people gather downtown on weekends.

Core concept

Describes a central urban area where people gather for shopping, dining, entertainment, and other lively activities.

Common phrases

  • 繁華街を歩くhan ka gai o aru ku

    walk around downtown

  • 繁華街に出るhan ka gai ni de ru

    go downtown

  • 繁華街の入り口han ka gai no i ri guchi

    entrance to downtown

Similar words

中心街chūshingai: The central district of a city, with shops, offices, and public facilities.
盛り場sakariba: A lively place in a city where people gather for eating, drinking, and entertainment.
歓楽街kanrakugai: A district with many restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, especially at night.

Definition in Japanese

商店や飲食店、娯楽施設などが集まり、多くの人でにぎわう市街地。shō ten ya in shoku ten go raku shi setsu na do ga atsu ma ri ō ku no hito de ni gi wa u shi gai chi

Word origin

繁華街 (hankagai) combines 繁華 (hanka, "prosperity and bustle") and 街 (gai, "street or urban area"), forming a term for a busy city district.

Usage tips

  • The English word downtown can suggest a business center, while 繁華街 (hankagai) often emphasizes a lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Other meanings

  • shopping districtnoun
  • entertainment districtnoun

Word lists with this word