1.
narrow street; lane; alley
A small, narrow street or pathway, especially in traditional neighborhoods or historic districts. Often appears in place names throughout Japan, particularly in Kyoto.
小路を歩く。
I walk along the narrow lane.
古い町の小路には風情がある。
The narrow lanes in the old town have charm.
京都の小路を散歩していると、思いがけず素敵なお店を見つけることがある。
When strolling through Kyoto's narrow lanes, you can unexpectedly discover charming shops.
USAGE: 小路 refers to narrow streets or lanes, especially in traditional or historic areas. It frequently appears in place names, particularly in Kyoto (e.g., 先斗町小路).
Also read as こみち, which has a more poetic or literary feel.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 路地小路: narrow back streets and lanes
- 裏小路: back lane, back alley
- 小路を抜ける: to pass through an alley
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 小路: narrow lane (often in place names)
- 路地: alley, back street (narrower, between buildings)
- 横丁: side street, alley (often lined with shops or bars)