川沿い

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 川沿い (かわぞい) is a compound locational noun for a route or area extending beside a river.
• Basic usage: 川沿いの道を走る modifies a road running beside the river, while 川沿いに桜が咲く marks the linear location where cherry trees bloom.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Road modifier and distribution area
  • 川沿いの道 restricts the road by location, while 川沿いに咲く distributes blossoms at points beside the river. Neither means on the water or across the river.