道標

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 道標 (みちしるべ) is a noun for a signpost that indicates the way.
• Basic usage: It also works figuratively for words or principles that guide a decision or course of life.
  • 分かれ道の道標を見て右へ進んだ。 — I followed the signpost at the fork and went right.
  • 恩師の言葉が迷ったときの道標になった。 — My teacher's words became a guide when I felt lost.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Physical and figurative guide
  • 標識 broadly means a sign or marker, while 道標 centers on showing a route and naturally extends to figurative guidance.