側溝(そっこう)

A compound of 側(そく) (side) and 溝(こう) (ditch, channel). Refers to the concrete or stone channels that run along the edges of roads in Japan to drain rainwater.

In Japanese residential areas, 側溝(そっこう) are ubiquitous — nearly every street has them. They are often covered with metal or concrete grates. Bicycle riders in Japan learn to be careful of 側溝(そっこう) grates, as thin tires can get caught in the gaps.

Common collocations

• 側溝(そっこう)の蓋(ふた): gutter cover, drain cover
• 側溝(そっこう)の掃除(そうじ): gutter cleaning
• 側溝(そっこう)に落(お)ちる: to fall into a ditch
• 側溝(そっこう)が詰(つ)まる: for a gutter to become clogged

Similar words

• 排水溝(はいすいこう): drain, drainage channel — more general term for any drainage outlet
• 溝(みぞ): ditch, groove — everyday word for any channel or groove
• 用水路(ようすいろ): irrigation channel — carries water for agricultural use