Translation and Meaning of: 片道 - katamichi

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 片道 (かたみち). It is quite useful in everyday life, especially for those who need to get around or plan trips. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical use, as well as provide examples and tips for memorization. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to help you understand Japanese clearly and directly.

片道 significa "one way" em inglês.

片道 (かたみち) is a Japanese word that means "one way" or "outbound trip." It is often used in transportation contexts, such as train or bus tickets, to differentiate between the outbound trip and the return. For example, when purchasing a ticket, you can choose between 片道 (one way) or 往復 (おうふく, round trip).

In addition to its literal use, 片道 can also carry a more metaphorical tone in certain expressions, indicating something one-sided or without return. However, its primary use remains related to travel and movement.

Origin and composition of the term

The word 片道 is made up of two kanji: 片 (かた), which can mean "side" or "one-way," and 道 (みち), which means "path" or "road." Together, they create the idea of a path that goes in one direction. This composition is quite intuitive and helps to understand the meaning of the word.

It's worth noting that 片道 is not an old or rare term. It is widely used in modern Japanese, especially in everyday situations like buying tickets or asking about routes. Its origin is not linked to myths or specific stories, but rather to the practical need to differentiate paths.

How to use 片道 in everyday life

If you are in Japan and need to buy a one-way train ticket, you can say: 片道の切符をお願いします (かたみちのきっぷをおねがいします). It's a simple phrase but very useful for tourists and residents. Another common example is asking the price of the ticket: 片道はいくらですか？ (かたみちはいくらですか？).

Although 片道 is more associated with transportation, it also appears in less literal contexts. For example, in discussions about relationships or irreversible decisions, the word can be used to convey the idea of something with no return. However, this usage is less frequent and depends on the context.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 一方通行 (ippō tsūkō) - Unidirectional traffic; indicates that traffic can only flow in one direction.
• 単行道 (tankōdō) - One-way street; similar to 一方通行, emphasizes the idea of a path exclusive to a single direction.
• 片道通行 (katamichi tsūkō) - One-way traffic; specifies that the direction is only in one way, which can be used in contexts similar to 一方通行.
• 単方向 (tanhōkō) - One single direction; it refers to the general concept of something that moves in one direction only.
• 単向通行 (tankō tsūkō) - One-way traffic; emphasizes the limitation of traffic to one direction, similar to 片道通行.