Translation guide
The English word "lane" can refer to a narrow road, a marked division on a road, a route for ships or aircraft, or a path in sports. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
A small, often rural or residential road, or a path between buildings or fields.
A small path or lane, often scenic or in a natural setting. Common for footpaths or narrow roads.
森の中の小道を歩いた。
I walked along a lane in the forest.
A narrow alley or lane between buildings, typically in urban areas. Often used for back streets.
古い町並みの路地を散策した。
We strolled through the lanes of the old town.
Literally 'narrow road', used for a lane or path that is physically narrow. Can be poetic.
田んぼの間の細道を自転車で走った。
I rode my bike along a narrow lane between the rice fields.
A private road or lane. Used when emphasizing that the lane is not a public thoroughfare.
この先は私道ですので、関係者以外は入れません。
Beyond this point is a private lane, so only authorized personnel may enter.
A painted or designated strip for a single line of vehicles, such as on a highway.
The standard term for a traffic lane. Used for highways and multi-lane roads.
この道路は片側二車線です。
This road has two lanes on each side.
左車線を走ってください。
Please drive in the left lane.
Loanword from English, often used in compound terms or in sports contexts, but also for traffic lanes.
A designated path for travel by sea or air.
A sea lane or air route. Used for shipping lanes and flight paths.
その船は混雑した航路を進んでいた。
The ship was navigating a busy shipping lane.
Specifically an air lane or airway.
A marked strip for runners, swimmers, or bowlers.
Used for lanes in swimming, track, and bowling.
彼は第3レーンを泳いだ。
He swam in lane 3.
ボウリングのレーンが空いていた。
A bowling lane was available.
Sometimes used for lanes in track or swimming, though レーン is more specific.
While レーン is used for traffic and sports, it is not natural for a small countryside lane. Use 小道 or 路地 instead.
The bus lane is closed to other traffic on weekday mornings.
航空路の混雑で出発が遅れた。
Departure was delayed due to congestion in the air lanes.
He ran in the inside lane.