1.
fork in the road, branching path
A point where a road splits into two or more directions. Also used figuratively for a critical turning point or decision.
分かれ道で右に曲がった。
I turned right at the fork in the road.
人生の分かれ道に立っている。
I'm standing at a crossroads in life.
進学か就職か、分かれ道に立った時に恩師の言葉が背中を押してくれた。
When I stood at the crossroads of continuing my education or getting a job, my mentor's words gave me the push I needed.
Compound of 分かれ (branching, from 分かれる) + 道 (road, path). Used both literally and figuratively.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 分かれ道に立つ (to stand at a crossroads)
- 人生の分かれ道 (crossroads of life)
- 運命の分かれ道 (fateful turning point)
USAGE NOTES:
The figurative meaning (a critical decision point) is at least as common as the literal meaning. The expression 分かれ道に立つ (to stand at a crossroads) is a standard metaphor for facing a major life decision.