小路(こうじ)

こうじ
noun
narrow street, lane, alley
geography
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(こうじ)を歩(ある)く。
I walk along the narrow lane.
古(ふる)い町(まち)の小路(こうじ)には風情(ふぜい)がある。
The narrow lanes in the old town have charm.
京都(きょうと)の小路(こうじ)を散歩(さんぽ)していると、思(おも)いがけず素敵(すてき)なお店(みせ)を見(み)つけることがある。
When strolling through Kyoto's narrow lanes, you can unexpectedly discover charming shops.

Usage: 小路(こうじ) 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(ぽんとちょう)小路(こうじ)).

Also read as こみち, which has a more poetic or literary feel.

Common collocations

  • 路地(ろじ)小路(こうじ): narrow back streets and lanes
  • 裏(うら)小路(こうじ): back lane, back alley
  • 小路(こうじ)を抜(ぬ)ける: to pass through an alley

Similar words

  • 小路(こうじ): narrow lane (often in place names)
  • 路地(ろじ): alley, back street (narrower, between buildings)
  • 横丁(よこちょう): side street, alley (often lined with shops or bars)

Related Words

Synonym: 路地(ろじ) (alley, back street)
Synonym: 横丁(よこちょう) (side street with shops)
general
Added 2026.3.8 22:59 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
15500/15904_kouji