歩道(ほどう)

A paved path for pedestrians running alongside a road. Composed of 歩(ほ) (walk) + 道(どう) (road, path).

Compounds

• 歩道橋(ほどうきょう): pedestrian overpass
• 横断歩道(おうだんほどう): crosswalk, pedestrian crossing
• 遊歩道(ゆうほどう): promenade, walking path

Related words

• 車道(しゃどう): roadway for vehicles
• 道路(どうろ): road (general)
• 通路(つうろ): passage, walkway (indoor)

Cultural note

In Japan, bicycles are often legally permitted on sidewalks (especially wide ones or when marked), unlike in many Western countries. Signs indicating 自転車(じてんしゃ)通行(つうこう)可(か) mark sidewalks where cycling is allowed.