road · way

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on readings are どう, とう, and the kun reading is みち. It has 12 strokes and relates to a physical road and a proper way of conduct.
• Basic usage: 道 is read みち, and 道路 is read どうろ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 道 / 道路
  • 道 means road or proper way and is read みち. It can refer to a physical way to a destination or a proper way of conduct.
  • 約束を守ることが人としての道だと祖父は言った。 means “My grandfather said that keeping promises is the proper way to live.”
  • 道路 means road and is read どうろ. It refers specifically to a physical road used for travel.
  • 大雨で道路に大きな水たまりができた。 means “Heavy rain left a large puddle in the road.”