(いっぽうつうこう)

いっぽうつうこう
noun
one-way (traffic)
1. one-way traffic; one-way street
A road or passage that allows traffic in only one direction.
この(みち)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)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)一方通行(いっぽうつうこう)(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.
(かれ)との会話(かいわ)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)(こい)(つら)い。
One-sided love is painful.
情報(じょうほう)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.

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

OPPOSITE:

  • 相互(そうご)通行(つうこう): two-way traffic/communication