1.
alley, narrow lane, side street
A narrow passage or street between buildings, typically found in older urban neighborhoods. Often too narrow for cars.
路地を入ると小さな居酒屋があった。
There was a small izakaya when I went into the alley.
この路地は車が通れない。
Cars can't get through this alley.
迷路のような路地裏を歩いた。
I walked through the maze-like back alleys.
2.
garden path (tea ceremony)
In the tea ceremony context, refers to the path leading to the tea house through the garden.
RELATED TERMS:
- 路地裏 (back alley) - the area of back streets and alleys, often with a nostalgic or hidden atmosphere
- 横丁 (side street, alley) - similar meaning, often used for areas with restaurants/bars
- 小道 (small path)
- 袋小路 (dead-end alley)
USAGE: 路地 often evokes images of traditional Japanese neighborhoods (下町) with narrow streets, old wooden houses, and a nostalgic atmosphere. Many famous dining areas feature 路地裏 restaurants hidden from main streets.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 路地に入る (to enter an alley)
- 路地を抜ける (to pass through an alley)
- 路地裏の店 (a shop in the back alleys)