How do you say "signpost" in Japanese?

道しるべ

michishirube

Noun Kanji

In Japanese, "signpost" is 道しるべ (michishirube).

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Pronunciation

道しるべ is written using kanji. Romanised as michishirube, it sounds roughly like "mee-chee-shee-roo-beh" to an English ear.

Writing and usage

This entry in the source has an inconsistency (the text refers to 標識 but the romaji is 'michishirube'). The kanji 道 (path/way) combines with しるべ (guide/marker) to mean signpost.

Example sentence

道路の標識を見ながら目的地に向かいます。

Douro no hyoushiki wo minagara mokutekichi ni mukaimasu.

I head to my destination while reading the road signs.

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How to remember 道しるべ

Way (道) + marker or guide = the sign that points the way.

Related words

Browse all Japanese words in the glossary.

See more Japanese nouns.

Questions about 道しるべ

How do you pronounce 道しるべ?

道しるべ is romanised as michishirube. Say it roughly like "mee-chee-shee-roo-beh" in English. Each Japanese syllable has even weight, so keep the rhythm steady.

Is 道しるべ formal or casual?

道しるべ is a neutral, everyday word that works in both casual and polite speech. The level of formality comes from the sentence structure around it, not from the word itself.

How is 道しるべ written in Japanese?

道しるべ is written using kanji. This entry in the source has an inconsistency (the text refers to 標識 but the romaji is 'michishirube').

Where can I practice Japanese words for free?

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"Signpost" in other languages

Curated by Callan Ratcliffe

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