分(わ)かれ道(みち)

わかれみち
noun
fork in the road, crossroads
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(わ)かれ道(みち)で右(みぎ)に曲(ま)がった。
I turned right at the fork in the road.
人生(じんせい)の分(わ)かれ道(みち)に立(た)っている。
I'm standing at a crossroads in life.
進学(しんがく)か就職(しゅうしょく)か、分(わ)かれ道(みち)に立(た)った時(とき)に恩師(おんし)の言葉(ことば)が背中(せなか)を押(お)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(わ)かれ (branching, from 分(わ)かれる) + 道(みち) (road, path). Used both literally and figuratively.

Common collocations

Usage

The figurative meaning (a critical decision point) is at least as common as the literal meaning. The expression 分(わ)かれ道(みち)に立(た)つ (to stand at a crossroads) is a standard metaphor for facing a major life decision.

Related Words

Compare: 枝分(えだわ)かれ (branching)
Compare: 岐路(きろ) (crossroads, turning point)
general
Added 2026.2.18 7:55 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
11500/11753_wakaremichi