This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B1 noun 9 min read

横断歩道

ōdan hodō
Examples 横断歩道 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 横断歩道 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 横断歩道 (ōdan hodō) means 'crosswalk.' You will likely see this word on signs or hear it when someone is giving you very simple directions. At this stage, you should focus on the phrase 「横断歩道を渡ります」 (I cross the crosswalk). You don't need to worry about the complex kanji yet, but recognizing the shape of the word on a street sign is very helpful for your safety. Think of it as a basic 'safety word.' When you are walking in a Japanese city like Tokyo or Osaka, look for the white stripes on the road—that is the 横断歩道. You might also hear a teacher or a guide say 「横断歩道で止まってください」 (Please stop at the crosswalk). This level is all about survival and basic navigation. You should also be aware that in Japan, the green light is often called 'ao' (blue), so you cross the 横断歩道 when the 'ao' light is on.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, you should be able to use 横断歩道 in sentences to describe your daily routine or give simple directions to others. You will learn to use particles like を (to mark the crossing) and で (to mark the location). For example, 「駅の前の横断歩道を渡ると、コンビニがあります」 (If you cross the crosswalk in front of the station, there is a convenience store). You should also be familiar with the basic rules of the 横断歩道, such as looking both ways. At this level, you might start to recognize the individual kanji, especially 歩 (walk) and 道 (road), which appear in many other common words. You should also be able to understand simple safety announcements in stations or near schools that mention the word. This is the stage where you transition from just seeing the word to actively using it to navigate your environment and talk about your movements.
Sign up free to read full explanation
As a B1 learner, you are expected to understand the social and legal context of the 横断歩道. You should be able to explain traffic rules or discuss safety in more detail. For instance, you could explain that 「日本では、車は横断歩道で歩行者を待たなければなりません」 (In Japan, cars must wait for pedestrians at the crosswalk). You will also encounter the word in more complex grammar structures, such as using it with the potential form (渡れる) or the conditional form (渡れば). You should be able to distinguish 横断歩道 from similar terms like 歩道橋 (pedestrian bridge) or 地下道 (underpass). At this level, you should be comfortable reading the word in news articles or seeing it in official documents like a driver's manual. You are no longer just following directions; you are capable of discussing the infrastructure of a city and the importance of traffic safety using this term.
At the B2 level, your understanding of 横断歩道 should include technical and legal nuances. You might discuss urban planning, the effectiveness of different types of crossings, or traffic accident statistics. You will use the word in formal debates or written essays about city life. For example, you might write about how 「横断歩道の設置は、交通事故の減少に直結しています」 (The installation of crosswalks is directly linked to the reduction of traffic accidents). You should be familiar with related technical terms like 信号機のない横断歩道 (crosswalks without signals) and the specific laws governing them. Your vocabulary should also include verbs like 遵守する (to observe/comply with laws) in relation to traffic rules. At this stage, you can understand nuanced discussions about why some 横断歩道 are being replaced by overpasses or how 'smart' crosswalks with LED sensors are being trialed in Japan.
Sign up free to read full explanation
For C1 learners, 横断歩道 becomes a point of departure for deep cultural and sociological analysis. You might analyze how the Japanese concept of public space and 'wa' (harmony) is reflected in the disciplined use of the 横断歩道. You can read and understand complex legal texts or academic papers on civil engineering that use the term. You might explore the history of the word, from its introduction in the early 20th century to its modern role in the 'Super City' initiatives. You should be able to use the word metaphorically if needed, although it is primarily a concrete noun. Your ability to explain the subtle differences between 横断歩道 and international equivalents in various languages, while discussing the psychological behavior of pedestrians (such as the 'herd mentality' at the Shibuya Scramble), marks this level of proficiency. You can handle any conversation, from a technical briefing to a philosophical discussion about urban life, where this term arises.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 横断歩道 and all its connotations. You can use it in high-level literary analysis, perhaps discussing how a character's hesitation at a 横断歩道 represents a broader existential crossroad in a novel. You are capable of drafting policy proposals or legal critiques regarding traffic safety and urban design. You understand the most obscure technical specifications for 横断歩道 paint materials or lighting requirements. You can speak with the authority of a native speaker (or better) about the evolution of Japanese traffic laws and the societal shifts that influenced them. Whether it's a joke, a metaphor, a technical term, or a legal definition, you navigate the word 横断歩道 with total precision and cultural depth, fully aware of its place in the tapestry of Japanese language and society.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

横断歩道 in 30 Seconds

  • 横断歩道 (ōdan hodō) means 'crosswalk' or 'pedestrian crossing' in Japanese.
  • It is composed of kanji meaning 'cross' (横断) and 'walking path' (歩道).
  • In Japan, it is legally required for drivers to stop for pedestrians at these crossings.
  • It is a vital landmark for giving directions and ensuring safety in urban areas.

The Japanese word 横断歩道 (おうだんほどう - Ōdan Hodō) is a compound noun that translates directly to 'pedestrian crossing' or 'crosswalk.' In the context of Japanese urban infrastructure, this word is essential for anyone navigating the streets, whether as a pedestrian or a driver. The word is composed of four kanji characters: 横 (cross/side), 断 (cut/sever), 歩 (walk), and 道 (path/way). Together, they describe a designated path that 'cuts across' a road specifically for those who 'walk.' This term is not just a technical label but a vital part of daily safety vocabulary in Japan, a country known for its meticulous traffic regulations and emphasis on pedestrian right-of-way.

Physical Description
In Japan, a 横断歩道 is typically marked by white parallel stripes on the asphalt, often referred to as 'zebra patterns.' In some high-traffic urban areas like Shibuya, you will find 'scramble crossings' (スクランブル交差点), which are essentially a complex network of 横断歩道 allowing pedestrians to cross in all directions simultaneously.
Legal Context
Under the Japanese Road Traffic Act (道路交通法), vehicles are strictly required to stop or slow down when a pedestrian is waiting at or using a 横断歩道. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and points on a driver's license. This legal weight makes the word a frequent topic in driving schools and safety campaigns.

日本では、歩行者が横断歩道を渡っているときは、車は必ず一時停止しなければなりません。
(In Japan, when a pedestrian is crossing the crosswalk, cars must always come to a temporary stop.)

The usage of 横断歩道 extends beyond just the physical lines. It represents the concept of safety and order in the public sphere. Children in Japan are taught from a very young age—often in kindergarten—the 'right-left-right' look before stepping onto the 横断歩道. They are also encouraged to raise their hand high to signal to drivers that they intend to cross, a practice that highlights the word's integration into Japanese social etiquette.

信号のない横断歩道では、特に注意が必要です。
(At crosswalks without traffic lights, particular caution is necessary.)

In urban planning discussions, the placement of 横断歩道 is a matter of intense study. Engineers analyze pedestrian flow to determine where these markings will most effectively prevent 'jaywalking'—a concept known in Japanese as 乱横断 (ran-ōdan). Interestingly, the first 横断歩道 in Japan was established in 1920 in Tokyo, modeled after European designs to modernize the city's infrastructure during the Taisho era. Since then, it has evolved into a symbol of the 'safe' city.

Associated Verbs
The most common verb paired with this noun is 渡る (wataru - to cross). You will also hear 設置する (setchi suru - to install/set up) in city planning contexts and 一時停止する (ichiji teishi suru - to stop temporarily) in driving contexts.

子供たちは手を挙げて横断歩道を渡りました。
(The children crossed the crosswalk with their hands raised.)

Using 横断歩道 correctly requires understanding its role as a location noun. It frequently acts as the direct object of the verb 渡る (to cross) or as a location marked by particles like で (at) or に (to/at). Because it is a formal, multi-kanji compound, it carries a sense of clarity and authority, making it suitable for both daily conversation and official announcements.

Basic Grammar Patterns
1. 横断歩道を渡る (To cross the crosswalk): The particle を marks the space through which motion occurs.
2. 横断歩道で待つ (To wait at the crosswalk): The particle で marks the location of the action.
3. 横断歩道の手前で止まる (To stop before the crosswalk): Using 手前 (temae) is crucial for driving instructions.

次の交差点にある横断歩道を渡ってください。
(Please cross the crosswalk located at the next intersection.)

When giving directions, 横断歩道 serves as an excellent landmark. Since they are clearly marked and ubiquitous, saying 'Cross at the crosswalk' is more precise than saying 'Cross the street.' In Japanese, precision in directions is highly valued, and using the specific term for the crossing shows a good command of the language. In more advanced usage, you might discuss the 設置 (installation) or 撤去 (removal) of a crosswalk in local government meetings.

この横断歩道は夜間、ライトアップされます。
(This crosswalk is lit up at night.)

In a classroom setting, a teacher might use the word when explaining social studies or safety. For example: 「横断歩道は、歩行者が安全に道を渡るための場所です」 (The crosswalk is a place for pedestrians to cross the road safely). This sentence structure (AはBのための場所です) is a classic way to define terms in Japanese. For learners, mastering the pronunciation of the four-syllable compound o-u-da-n-ho-do-u is a great exercise in maintaining consistent vowel lengths.

自転車に乗ったまま横断歩道を渡るのは危険です。
(It is dangerous to cross the crosswalk while still riding a bicycle.)

Finally, consider the passive or causative forms in more complex sentences. For instance, 「新しい横断歩道が設置されました」 (A new crosswalk was installed). This shows how the word functions within the broader grammatical framework of Japanese society and governance.

The word 横断歩道 is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, but there are specific environments where it is most prominent. Understanding these contexts helps in recognizing the word in the wild.

1. Traffic Safety Broadcasts
In Japanese cities, you will often hear automated announcements at major intersections. These voices might say, 「横断歩道を渡る際は、左右の安全を確認してください」 (When crossing the crosswalk, please check for safety to the left and right). These broadcasts are designed to keep the public alert.
2. Driving Schools (Jidosha Gakko)
Every prospective driver in Japan hears this word hundreds of times. Instructors emphasize the 「横断歩道における歩行者優先」 (pedestrian priority at crosswalks). If a student fails to stop for a pedestrian at a 横断歩道 during their test, it is an automatic failure.
3. News and Police Reports
When reporting on traffic accidents, the police and news anchors always specify if the incident occurred on a 横断歩道. This detail is legally significant for determining fault. You might hear: 「歩行者が横断歩道上で車にはねられました」 (A pedestrian was struck by a car on the crosswalk).

警察は、横断歩道での取り締まりを強化しています。
(The police are strengthening enforcement at crosswalks.)

In popular culture, the most famous 横断歩道 in the world is likely the Shibuya Scramble. In movies like 'Lost in Translation' or 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,' this specific crossing is used to illustrate the organized chaos of Tokyo. While the movies might not use the word '横断歩道' in the script, Japanese viewers and guides will always refer to it as such.

駅の前の横断歩道は、いつも混雑しています。
(The crosswalk in front of the station is always crowded.)

Furthermore, in school zones, you will see yellow flags (横断旗 - ōdan-ki) kept in boxes near the 横断歩道. Children use these to make themselves more visible. Seeing these flags is a visual cue that a 横断歩道 is nearby, even if you don't see the word written down.

Learning 横断歩道 is usually straightforward, but English speakers and beginner Japanese learners often make a few specific errors regarding its nuance and pronunciation.

1. Confusing 'Hodō' with 'Hodōkyō'
A common mistake is confusing 横断歩道 (crosswalk) with 歩道橋 (hodōkyō), which is a pedestrian overpass or bridge. While both allow you to cross the road, the latter involves stairs and a structure above the traffic. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion when giving or following directions.
2. Misunderstanding 'Hodō' vs 'Dōro'
歩道 (hodō) means sidewalk/pavement. 横断歩道 is the specific part that crosses the road. Learners sometimes say 'I walked on the crosswalk' when they mean they walked on the sidewalk. Remember: 横断 (crossing) is the key difference.

❌ 歩道を渡ってください。
✅ 横断歩道を渡ってください。
(Correct: Please cross the crosswalk. Incorrect: Please cross the sidewalk.)

Another mistake involves the verb choice. While English speakers say 'walk across the street,' in Japanese, you must specify the 横断歩道 as the path. Simply saying 道を歩く (walk the road) implies walking along it, not across it. You must use 道を横断する or 横断歩道を渡る.

❌ 踏切を渡るときは車に気をつけて。
✅ 横断歩道を渡るときは車に気をつけて。
(Note: 踏切 (fumikiri) is a railroad crossing, not a pedestrian crosswalk.)

Lastly, learners often forget that in Japan, traffic moves on the left. When describing crossing a 横断歩道, the sequence of looking is 'Right, Left, Right' (右、左、右). Using the Western 'Left, Right, Left' in a Japanese sentence might not be a linguistic error, but it is a cultural and safety mistake that shows a lack of local context.

While 横断歩道 is the standard term, there are several related words that cover different aspects of crossing or walking. Understanding these distinctions is key to achieving B1 proficiency.

横断歩道 vs. 歩道橋 (Hodōkyō)
横断歩道 is on the ground level, painted on the street. 歩道橋 is a physical bridge structure built over the road. Use 横断歩道 for most city intersections and 歩道橋 for large highways or busy arteries where ground-level crossing is impossible.
横断歩道 vs. スクランブル交差点 (Scramble Kōsaten)
A スクランブル交差点 is a specific type of intersection where all vehicle traffic stops to allow pedestrians to cross in every direction. It contains multiple 横断歩道, including diagonal ones.
横断歩道 vs. 踏切 (Fumikiri)
A 踏切 is a railroad crossing. While both involve crossing a path of travel, 踏切 is specifically for trains and has barriers and bells.

Comparison Example
「横断歩道が遠いので、歩道橋を使いましょう。」
(The crosswalk is far, so let's use the pedestrian bridge.)

In casual conversation, you might simply say 渡るところ (the place to cross) or 信号 (the light/signal). For example, 「あの信号で渡ろう」 (Let's cross at that light) is very common. However, 横断歩道 remains the most accurate term for the physical painted area on the road itself.

For academic or technical writing, you might encounter 歩行者用道路 (hokōsha-yō dōro) which means 'road for pedestrians.' This is a broader category that includes 横断歩道 but also encompasses pedestrian-only streets and malls.

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

横断歩道を渡ります。

I cross the crosswalk.

Basic 'Noun + を + Verb' structure.

2

横断歩道はどこですか？

Where is the crosswalk?

Asking for location using 'はどこですか'.

3

あそこに横断歩道があります。

There is a crosswalk over there.

Using 'あります' for inanimate objects.

4

横断歩道で止まってください。

Please stop at the crosswalk.

Te-form + ください for polite requests.

5

これは横断歩道です。

This is a crosswalk.

Simple A is B sentence.

6

横断歩道、あおですよ。

The crosswalk (signal) is green!

Casual observation about the light.

7

手をあげて横断歩道を渡りましょう。

Let's raise our hands and cross the crosswalk.

Mashō form for suggestions.

8

大きな横断歩道ですね。

It's a big crosswalk, isn't it?

Using an adjective to describe the noun.

1

信号のある横断歩道を渡ってください。

Please cross the crosswalk that has a traffic light.

Relative clause modifying the noun.

2

横断歩道の手前でバスを降りました。

I got off the bus just before the crosswalk.

Using '手前' to indicate position.

3

危ないですから、横断歩道を使いましょう。

It's dangerous, so let's use the crosswalk.

Using 'から' for reason.

4

横断歩道の近くに交番があります。

There is a police box near the crosswalk.

Using '近く' for proximity.

5

毎日、この横断歩道を渡って学校へ行きます。

Every day, I cross this crosswalk to go to school.

Describing a routine.

6

横断歩道で走ってはいけません。

You must not run on the crosswalk.

Te-form + はいいけません for prohibition.

7

おじいさんが横断歩道をゆっくり渡っています。

An elderly man is slowly crossing the crosswalk.

Te-iru form for ongoing action.

8

駅を出てすぐのところに横断歩道があります。

There is a crosswalk right after you leave the station.

Using 'すぐのところ' for immediate location.

1

横断歩道に歩行者がいたら、車は止まらなければなりません。

If there are pedestrians at the crosswalk, cars must stop.

Conditional 'たら' and obligation 'なければなりません'.

2

この横断歩道は、スクランブル方式になっています。

This crosswalk is a scramble-type crossing.

Describing a system or state.

3

工事のため、この横断歩道は現在使えません。

Due to construction, this crosswalk cannot be used currently.

Potential form '使えない' and 'ため' for reason.

4

横断歩道がない場所で道を渡るのは法律違反です。

Crossing the road in a place where there is no crosswalk is a legal violation.

Noun nominalization using 'の'.

5

雨の日は横断歩道が滑りやすいので、注意しましょう。

Because the crosswalk is slippery on rainy days, let's be careful.

V-stem + やすい for ease of action/state.

6

新しい横断歩道を作ってほしいという要望があります。

There is a request to have a new crosswalk built.

Te-hoshii expressing a desire for someone else to do something.

7

横断歩道の上で立ち止まらないでください。

Please do not stand still on the crosswalk.

Nai-form + でください for negative requests.

8

その角を曲がると、広い横断歩道が見えてきます。

When you turn that corner, a wide crosswalk will come into view.

Conditional 'と' and 'てくる' for emerging state.

1

横断歩道における一時停止の遵守率を調査しています。

We are investigating the compliance rate of temporary stops at crosswalks.

Formal 'における' and technical vocabulary '遵守率'.

2

信号機のない横断歩道では、歩行者が優先されるべきです。

At crosswalks without traffic lights, pedestrians should be prioritized.

Passive form '優先される' and 'べき' for duty.

3

横断歩道の白線が消えかかっているので、塗り直す必要があります。

The white lines of the crosswalk are fading, so they need to be repainted.

V-stem + かける for 'about to' or 'partially'.

4

視覚障害者のための音声案内付き横断歩道が増えています。

Crosswalks with voice guidance for the visually impaired are increasing.

Noun + 付き for 'equipped with'.

5

横断歩道内での事故は、運転手の過失が大きく問われます。

In accidents within a crosswalk, the driver's negligence is heavily scrutinized.

Passive '問われる' and focus on legal responsibility.

6

横断歩道付近での駐停車は、視界を妨げるため禁止されています。

Parking or stopping near crosswalks is prohibited because it obstructs the view.

Prohibitive '禁止されている' and '妨げる' (obstruct).

7

街灯が少ないため、夜間の横断歩道は非常に見えにくいです。

Because there are few streetlights, crosswalks are very hard to see at night.

V-stem + にくい for difficulty.

8

自治体は横断歩道の安全性を高めるために、LEDライトを設置しました。

The local government installed LED lights to enhance the safety of the crosswalk.

Purpose 'ために' and '高める' (to heighten).

1

都市計画において、横断歩道の配置は歩行者の動線を左右する重要な要素です。

In urban planning, the placement of crosswalks is a crucial factor that influences pedestrian flow.

High-level '左右する' and '動線' (flow lines).

2

横断歩道でのマナー向上を目指し、全国的なキャンペーンが展開されています。

A nationwide campaign is being deployed, aiming to improve manners at crosswalks.

Noun + を目指し (aiming for) and '展開されている'.

3

自動運転技術の普及に伴い、横断歩道の概念そのものが変容する可能性があります。

With the spread of self-driving technology, the very concept of the crosswalk may transform.

Grammar 'に伴い' (along with) and '変容' (transformation).

4

横断歩道を渡りきれない高齢者が増えていることは、喫緊の課題です。

The increasing number of elderly people unable to finish crossing the crosswalk is an urgent issue.

V-stem + きれない (unable to finish) and '喫緊の課題'.

5

その論文は、横断歩道の色彩が心理的安全性に与える影響を論じています。

The paper discusses the influence that crosswalk colors have on psychological safety.

Relational 'に与える影響' and formal '論じている'.

6

横断歩道の設置基準は、道路の幅員や交通量によって厳格に定められています。

Installation standards for crosswalks are strictly determined by road width and traffic volume.

Causal 'によって' and '定められている' (established).

7

歩行者優先の原則が、横断歩道という物理的境界によって担保されています。

The principle of pedestrian priority is guaranteed by the physical boundary of the crosswalk.

Passive '担保されている' (guaranteed) and formal '境界'.

8

横断歩道における事故の法的解釈は、時代とともに変遷してきました。

The legal interpretation of accidents at crosswalks has transitioned over time.

Formal '変遷' (transition) and 'とともに' (along with).

1

横断歩道は、私的な歩道と公的な車道が交錯する、都市における特異な空間であると言える。

It can be said that the crosswalk is a unique space in the city where private sidewalks and public roadways intersect.

Philosophical 'と言える' and '交錯する' (intertwine).

2

アビー・ロードの横断歩道が聖地化した背景には、音楽と視覚情報の幸福な結合がある。

Behind the Abbey Road crosswalk becoming a 'holy site' lies a happy union of music and visual information.

Metaphorical '聖地化' and '背景には'.

3

横断歩道の縞模様は、無機質な都市景観にリズムと秩序をもたらす記号として機能している。

The stripes of the crosswalk function as symbols that bring rhythm and order to the inorganic urban landscape.

Semiotic analysis using '記号として機能'.

4

法学的な観点から見れば、横断歩道は歩行者の絶対的聖域として定義されるべき性質を持つ。

From a legal standpoint, the crosswalk possesses a nature that should be defined as an absolute sanctuary for pedestrians.

C2 level vocabulary '観点', '聖域', '性質'.

5

横断歩道を渡るという日常的行為の中に、社会契約の最小単位が凝縮されている。

Within the everyday act of crossing a crosswalk, the smallest unit of the social contract is condensed.

Sociological '社会契約' and '凝縮されている'.

6

都市の毛細血管とも呼べる路地裏において、横断歩道の欠如はコミュニティの分断を象徴している。

In the back alleys that could be called the capillaries of the city, the lack of crosswalks symbolizes the fragmentation of the community.

Metaphorical '毛細血管' and '分断を象徴'.

7

横断歩道の信号待ちは、現代人が唯一、強制的に思考を停止させられる公共の時間かもしれない。

Waiting for the signal at a crosswalk might be the only public time when modern people are forced to cease their thoughts.

Reflective '強制的に' and 'かもしれない'.

8

横断歩道の消去は、車中心社会への完全な屈服を意味し、歩行者の尊厳を著しく損なうものである。

The removal of crosswalks signifies a total surrender to a car-centric society and significantly impairs the dignity of pedestrians.

Strong rhetorical '屈服' and '損なう'.

Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!