1.
guidepost, signpost
A sign or marker that shows the way, either literally on a road or figuratively as guidance in life.
山道に道しるべがあった。
There was a signpost on the mountain path.
先生の言葉が人生の道しるべになった。
My teacher's words became a guidepost for my life.
古い石の道しるべが旅人に方向を示していた。
An old stone signpost was showing travelers the direction.
WORD FORMATION:
道 (road, path) + しるべ (guide, marker) = road marker, guidepost
KANJI NOTE:
Can be written as 道標. The mixed writing 道しるべ is also common.
USAGE:
Often used figuratively to mean a guide or guiding principle in life, career, etc.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 人生の道しるべ: a guidepost for life
- 道しるべになる: to serve as a guide
- 道しるべに従う: to follow the signpost