1.
signpost; guidepost; waymark
A physical marker along a road or path indicating direction or distance to a destination.
山道に道標が立っていた。
A signpost stood along the mountain path.
道標に従って進めば迷わない。
If you follow the signposts, you won't get lost.
古い街道には、江戸時代の石の道標が残っている。
Along the old highways, stone signposts from the Edo period still remain.
2.
guide; guiding principle; compass
Figuratively, something or someone that serves as a guide in life, work, or decision-making.
恩師の言葉が人生の道標になった。
My mentor's words became a guiding light in my life.
この本は若い研究者への道標となるだろう。
This book will serve as a guide for young researchers.
将来の道標が見つからず、悩んでいる学生は多い。
Many students are struggling because they can't find a guiding direction for their future.
USAGE NOTES:
道標 can also be read as どうひょう, which is more formal and technical. The reading みちしるべ is more common in everyday and literary usage.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 道標に従う (to follow a signpost)
- 人生の道標 (guide/compass in life)
- 石の道標 (stone signpost)
- 道標となる (to serve as a guide)
The figurative use (a guiding principle or inspiration) is poetic and common in titles of books, songs, and speeches.