Translation and Meaning of: 徒歩 - toho

The Japanese word 徒歩 (とほ, toho) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those studying the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday use, and even tips for memorizing it effectively. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese talk about walking distances or what the ideal context is for using this expression, keep reading.

Meaning and usage of 徒歩

徒歩 means "on foot" in Japanese, indicating a movement without vehicles or other means of transportation. Unlike words like 歩く (aruku), which refers to the act of walking, 徒歩 is used to describe how someone arrives at a place. For example, on signs or maps, you might see phrases like 徒歩5分 (toho gofun), which means "five minutes on foot."

This word is common in practical contexts, such as distance indications, tourist routes, or even in real estate ments. If an apartment is 徒歩10分 from the station, it means it takes ten minutes walking to get to the subway. It is worth noting that, although useful, 徒歩 is not as frequent in informal conversations as like 歩いて (aruite), which also means "by foot."

Origin and composition of kanji

The writing of 徒歩 is composed of two kanjis: 徒 (to) and 歩 (ho). The first, 徒, can mean "follower" or "just," while 歩 represents "to walk" or "step." Together, they form the idea of "movement without external aid." Interestingly, 徒 alone has other uses, such as in 信徒 (shinto, "believer"), but in 徒歩 its meaning is limited to physical relocation.

From an etymological point of view, this combination originated in classical Japanese and has remained practically unchanged to this day. Unlike other words that have gained new meanings over the centuries, 徒歩 has maintained its essence, reflecting the importance of walking in traditional Japanese culture, where walking as a means of transportation was common.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to 徒歩 is to associate it with everyday situations. If you've seen a map in Japan, you've probably noticed this word near time indications. Creating flashcards with phrases like 駅まで徒歩15分 (15 minutes on foot to the station) can help to fix the vocabulary in the right context.

Another tip is to pay attention to real estate ads or tourist guides, where 徒歩 appears frequently. The pronunciation "toho" is also relatively simple, with no difficult sounds for Portuguese speakers. Avoid confusing it with 道路 (douro, "road") or 途方 (tohou, "direction"), which have completely different meanings.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 歩行 (ほこう, hokou) - walk; general walking
• 歩いて (あるいて, aruite) - walking; gerund form of to walk
• 歩いて行く (あるいていく, aruite iku) - walk; to move on foot