Dictionary
English - French

Road

roʊd
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

route, chemin, route (feminine), voie, allée

Road meanings in French

route

Example:
The road is closed for repairs.
La route est fermée pour des réparations.
We drove down a long road.
Nous avons conduit sur une longue route.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both everyday conversation and formal writing to refer to physical roads used for travel.
Note: Commonly used in both urban and rural contexts.

chemin

Example:
We took a scenic road through the mountains.
Nous avons pris un chemin pittoresque à travers les montagnes.
The road to success is often difficult.
Le chemin vers le succès est souvent difficile.
Usage: informalContext: Used metaphorically to describe a path or journey, not just physical roads.
Note: In this context, 'chemin' can imply a journey in life or career.

route (feminine)

Example:
Which route should we take to get there?
Quelle route devrions-nous prendre pour y arriver ?
The best route avoids the traffic.
La meilleure route évite le trafic.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in navigation and travel contexts to refer to a specific way to reach a destination.
Note: 'Route' can also refer to a planned course of travel.

voie

Example:
The road has two lanes.
La voie a deux voies.
He walked down the narrow road.
Il a marché le long de la voie étroite.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Refers to a lane or track, often in the context of traffic or transportation.
Note: Can also refer to a railway line.

allée

Example:
The road to the house is lined with trees.
L'allée vers la maison est bordée d'arbres.
They walked down the road together.
Ils ont marché dans l'allée ensemble.
Usage: informalContext: Used to describe a pathway or driveway, often in a residential context.
Note: Typically refers to a less formal or smaller path.

Road's synonyms

street

A street is a public road in a city, town, or village, typically with houses or buildings on one or both sides.
Example: I live on a quiet street.
Note: A street is usually within a city or town and may have a more urban connotation compared to a road.

highway

A highway is a major road typically designed for high-speed travel between cities and towns.
Example: We drove on the highway to reach our destination quickly.
Note: A highway is usually a larger, multi-lane road intended for faster travel over longer distances compared to a road.

avenue

An avenue is a wide road typically lined with trees, buildings, or other features.
Example: The shops on the avenue were bustling with shoppers.
Note: An avenue is often a broad street with a specific purpose or design, such as being lined with trees or having a central divider.

lane

A lane is a narrow road or street, often designated for a specific type of traffic.
Example: The cyclists rode in the bike lane next to the road.
Note: A lane is typically a narrower section of a road that may be designated for a specific type of traffic, such as bicycles or buses.

path

A path is a route or track made for walking or traveling along, often in a natural setting.
Example: We walked along the scenic path through the forest.
Note: A path is usually a more natural or informal route compared to a road, often found in parks, forests, or countryside.

Road expressions, common phrases

Hit the road

This phrase means to leave or start a journey.
Example: It's getting late, so I think it's time to hit the road.
Note: The phrase 'hit the road' uses 'road' metaphorically to mean leaving or departing.

On the road

This phrase means traveling or touring from place to place.
Example: The band is on the road touring across the country.
Note: In this context, 'on the road' refers to the act of traveling rather than the physical road itself.

Road trip

This phrase refers to a journey or excursion by car, typically for pleasure.
Example: We're planning a road trip to the mountains next weekend.
Note: A 'road trip' specifically emphasizes the journey taken by car rather than the destination.

Cross that bridge when you come to it

This phrase means to deal with a problem only when it arises, not before.
Example: I'm not sure how to solve that problem yet, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Note: The phrase uses 'bridge' metaphorically to represent a problem or obstacle that may come up during a journey or process.

Pave the way

This phrase means to prepare the path or make it easier for something to happen.
Example: His research paved the way for future discoveries in the field.
Note: In this idiom, 'pave the way' uses 'way' to indicate the path to progress or success, not necessarily a physical road.

Bump in the road

This phrase refers to a minor obstacle or setback in a plan or journey.
Example: Losing that contract was just a bump in the road for our company.
Note: The idiom 'bump in the road' uses 'road' metaphorically to represent the journey or progress being made, with the 'bump' indicating a temporary obstacle.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions

This phrase means that good intentions, if not acted upon properly, can lead to bad outcomes.
Example: I meant well, but my actions had unintended consequences. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, they say.
Note: The phrase uses 'road' metaphorically to suggest that good intentions, like a well-intentioned path, can lead to negative results if not carried out effectively.

Road everyday (slang) expressions

Off the beaten path

This slang means to go somewhere that is not commonly visited or traveled.
Example: Let's try this restaurant, it's off the beaten path and has great reviews.
Note: It refers to a less traveled route or location, unlike a main road or popular route.

Hit the pavement

To hit the pavement means to start working or actively pursuing something.
Example: I've been job hunting for a week now, hitting the pavement every day.
Note: It implies taking action or starting a task, similar to getting on the road but more focused.

Backseat driver

A backseat driver is someone who gives unwanted advice or criticism, especially while someone else is driving.
Example: Don't be a backseat driver while I'm driving, I know where I'm going.
Note: It relates to the annoyance of receiving unsolicited instructions while on the road, but in a figurative sense.

Gravel road

A gravel road signifies a rough or bumpy journey, usually in reference to a challenging situation.
Example: Their relationship has hit a gravel road recently, with lots of arguments.
Note: It symbolizes a difficult path or phase, similar to facing rough terrain while driving on a gravel road.

Curveball

A curveball is an unexpected situation or problem that complicates plans.
Example: His sudden resignation really threw us a curveball in the project.
Note: It represents an unforeseen challenge, much like a curveball unexpected in baseball pitching, but used in a broader context.

Two roads diverged in a wood

This phrase refers to making a choice or deciding between two different paths or options.
Example: I'm at a point where two roads diverged in a wood - I have to make a decision.
Note: It alludes to Robert Frost's poem 'The Road Not Taken' and signifies a critical decision point similar to a fork in the road.

Open road

The open road represents freedom and adventure on a journey without constraints or set destinations.
Example: I'm excited to hit the open road and explore new places on our trip.
Note: It symbolizes liberation and limitless possibilities, akin to the sense of freedom experienced when embarking on a road trip.

Road - Examples

The road was closed due to construction.
La route était fermée en raison de travaux.
We took a scenic road trip through the mountains.
Nous avons fait un voyage en voiture pittoresque à travers les montagnes.
The sidewalk is icy, be careful.
Le trottoir est glissant, fais attention.

Road grammar

Road - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: road
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): roads, road
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): road
Syllables, Separation and Stress
road Contains 1 syllables: road
Phonetic transcription: ˈrōd
road , ˈrōd (The red syllable is stressed)

Road - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
road: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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