1.
course; path; route
The direction or route that something is traveling, such as a typhoon, ship, or vehicle.
台風の進路を確認する。
To check the course of the typhoon.
船が進路を変えた。
The ship changed course.
台風の進路が予想より東にずれたため、被害は小さかった。
Because the typhoon's course shifted east of the forecast, the damage was minor.
2.
career path; future course
The direction of one's future education or career. Commonly used in school settings when students choose their next step.
進路について悩んでいる。
I'm struggling with what career path to take.
先生と進路相談をした。
I had a career counseling session with my teacher.
高校三年生になると、大学に行くか就職するか、進路を決めなければならない。
In the third year of high school, you have to decide your future path — whether to go to university or get a job.
Sense 1 is common in weather reports and navigation. Sense 2 is a key word in Japanese school life, where 進路指導 (career guidance) is a formal part of the curriculum.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 進路を決める (decide one's path)
- 進路相談 (career counseling)
- 進路指導 (career guidance)
- 進路を変更する (change course)
- 台風の進路 (typhoon's course)
Not to be confused with the homophone 針路, which specifically means a ship's or aircraft's navigational course.