交差点

• Reading: こうさてん
• Romaji: kousaten
• Kanji breakdown: 交 (kou) — cross, mix; 差 (sa) — difference, diverge; 点 (ten) — point, spot
• Pronunciation: /koː.sa.teɴ/

Meaning

Crossing; intersection. The point where two or more roads meet.

A noun meaning intersection or crossroads. It is frequently used when giving or receiving directions in Japanese. Famous intersections like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing (渋谷スクランブル交差点) are popular landmarks. Common direction phrases include 交差点を右に曲がる (turn right at the intersection).

Examples

1. 次の交差点を左に曲がってください。 Please turn left at the next intersection.
2. 交差点の信号が赤です。 The traffic light at the intersection is red.
3. あの大きい交差点のそばにスーパーがあります。 There's a supermarket near that big intersection.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, driving, navigation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound of 交差 (crossing, intersecting) and 点 (point). The kanji describe the geometric concept of lines crossing at a point.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal