Translation guide
The English word 'journey' can refer to both physical travel and metaphorical life experiences. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 旅 (tabi), but other words like 旅行 (ryokō) and 道のり (michinori) are used depending on the nuance. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on whether you mean a trip, a long process, or a personal growth experience.
Referring to a physical journey, especially one that is somewhat long or adventurous, not just a short trip.
The most direct and common translation for 'journey'. It implies a trip that is often long, possibly with a sense of adventure or personal significance. It can be used for both domestic and international travel.
長い旅に出る。
I'm going on a long journey.
旅の思い出を話した。
I talked about memories from the journey.
Often translated as 'travel' or 'trip', but can also mean 'journey' when referring to a planned trip for leisure or business. It is slightly more formal and structured than 旅.
来月、北海道へ旅行に行きます。
Next month, I'm going on a journey to Hokkaido.
Refers to the journey itself, especially the route or the time spent traveling. It has a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel.
道中ご無事で。
Have a safe journey.
Referring to a metaphorical journey, such as life, career, or personal development.
Also used metaphorically for life's journey. Very common in songs, poems, and motivational contexts.
人生は旅だ。
Life is a journey.
Literally 'distance' or 'route', but often used metaphorically to mean a long process or journey toward a goal.
Means 'walking' or 'step', often used poetically for one's life journey or progress.
Referring to a difficult or lengthy process, like a project or recovery.
Commonly used for a long and sometimes arduous journey toward a goal.
復興への道のりはまだ続く。
The journey to recovery continues.
Means 'process' or 'course', and can be used when 'journey' refers to a series of steps or stages.
旅 (tabi) often implies a more personal, adventurous, or spiritual journey, while 旅行 (ryokō) is more about the act of traveling, often for leisure. If you want to emphasize the experience and personal growth, use 旅. If you are talking about a vacation trip, 旅行 is more natural.
In English, 'journey' is often used in customer service or formal announcements (e.g., 'Thank you for joining us on this journey'). In Japanese, such phrasing can sound unnatural. Instead, use more specific expressions like ご利用 (go-riyō) or ご参加 (go-sanka).
ご利用ありがとうございます。
Thank you for your patronage. (Not: Thank you for your journey.)
成功への道のりは長い。
The journey to success is long.
これまでの歩みを振り返る。
I look back on my journey so far.
I learned a lot on that journey.