道標(みちしるべ)

みちしるべ
noun
signpost; guidepost; guide
See also: 道(みち)しるべ (signpost (kana))
1. signpost; guidepost; waymark
A physical marker along a road or path indicating direction or distance to a destination.
山道(やまみち)に道標(みちしるべ)が立(た)っていた。
A signpost stood along the mountain path.
道標(みちしるべ)に従(したが)って進(すす)めば迷(まよ)わない。
If you follow the signposts, you won't get lost.
古(ふる)い街道(かいどう)には、江戸(えど)時代(じだい)の石(いし)の道標(みちしるべ)が残(のこ)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(おんし)の言葉(ことば)が人生(じんせい)の道標(みちしるべ)になった。
My mentor's words became a guiding light in my life.
この本(ほん)は若(わか)い研究者(けんきゅうしゃ)への道標(みちしるべ)となるだろう。
This book will serve as a guide for young researchers.
将来(しょうらい)の道標(みちしるべ)が見(み)つからず、悩(なや)んでいる学生(がくせい)は多(おお)い。
Many students are struggling because they can't find a guiding direction for their future.

Usage

道標(みちしるべ) 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

The figurative use (a guiding principle or inspiration) is poetic and common in titles of books, songs, and speeches.

general
Added 2026.2.28 22:14 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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