fork

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 岐 means a fork; its on-readings include き.
• Basic usage: 分岐(ぶんき) means branching or a fork, while 岐路(きろ) means a crossroads or turning point.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Branching in different directions and facing a choice
  • 道の分岐 means a fork in a road. 分岐する is also used when a story branches in different directions according to a reader's choices.
  • 人生の岐路 describes a crossroads in life, such as choosing between further study and employment. 岐路 applies to a physical fork in a forest and to a point of important choice.