一方通行(いっぽうつうこう)

いっぽうつうこう
noun
one-way (traffic)
transportation
1. one-way traffic; one-way street
A road or passage that allows traffic in only one direction.
この道(みち)は一方通行(いっぽうつうこう)だ。
This road is one-way.
一方通行(いっぽうつうこう)を逆走(ぎゃくそう)してはいけない。
You must not drive the wrong way on a one-way street.
駅前(えきまえ)は一方通行(いっぽうつうこう)が多(おお)い。
There are many one-way streets near the station.
2. one-sided (figurative)
Communication or a relationship that only goes in one direction, lacking reciprocation.
彼(かれ)との会話(かいわ)は一方通行(いっぽうつうこう)だ。
Conversations with him are one-sided.
一方通行(いっぽうつうこう)の恋(こい)は辛(つら)い。
One-sided love is painful.
情報(じょうほう)が一方通行(いっぽうつうこう)にならないように注意(ちゅうい)する。
We take care that information flow isn't one-directional.

一方通行(いっぽうつうこう) has both literal and figurative uses.

Traffic signs

One-way streets in Japan are marked with a blue rectangular sign showing a white arrow, often accompanied by 「一方通行(いっぽうつうこう)」 or 「進入禁止(しんにゅうきんし)」 (no entry) signs.

Usage

Used to describe communication, relationships, or information flow that lacks reciprocity or mutual exchange.

Similar words

Related Words

Related: 一方(いっぽう) (one side; on the other hand)
general
Added 2026.1.29 15:14 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
08500/08949_ippoutsuukou