Translation guide
A passageway is a long, narrow space that connects different areas, such as a corridor in a building, an alley between buildings, or a path through a natural setting. Japanese has several words depending on the type and context.
A passage inside a building connecting rooms.
The most common word for a hallway or corridor inside a building, such as in a house, school, or office.
廊下を走らないでください。
Please don't run in the hallway.
部屋の外の廊下に誰かいます。
There's someone in the hallway outside the room.
A narrow passage between buildings, often outdoors.
Refers to a narrow alleyway or lane between buildings, common in urban areas.
その路地はとても狭いです。
That alley is very narrow.
路地裏に小さな店があります。
There's a small shop in the back alley.
A side street or alley, often with a traditional or nostalgic feel, sometimes lined with small eateries.
A narrow route through a natural area like a forest, mountain, or field.
A small path or trail, often unpaved, through a natural setting.
森の中の小道を歩きました。
I walked along a path through the forest.
A passage or route used for passing through, often implying a way through an area.
A tunnel-like passage, often for pedestrians, under a road or building.
An underground passageway, typically for pedestrians to cross under a road or railway.
駅の地下道を通ってください。
Please use the underground passage at the station.
A general term for a passageway or aisle, can be used for covered walkways, corridors in stores, or paths between seats.
A concealed passage, often in castles or old buildings.
A secret passage or escape route, also used figuratively for a loophole or shortcut.
城には抜け道があった。
There was a secret passage in the castle.
Literally 'hidden passage', used for concealed corridors in fiction or historical contexts.
隠し通路を見つけた。
I found a hidden passageway.
廊下 (ろうか) is specifically an indoor corridor, like in a house or school. 通路 (つうろ) is broader: it can be an aisle on a plane, a walkway in a store, or a covered passage between buildings. Use 廊下 for typical hallways and 通路 for functional passageways or aisles.
In a residential context, 廊下 is the natural word for a hallway. Using 通路 might sound like you're describing a commercial or public passageway.
横丁には飲み屋がたくさんあります。
There are many bars in the side street.
ここは動物の通り道です。
This is an animal passageway.
An aisle seat on the plane, please.
この通路は駅に続いています。
This passageway leads to the station.