町

音読おんよみ: チョウ

訓読くんよみ: まち

画数かくすう: 7

部首ぶしゅ: 田(たへん)

Meaning

Town / Neighborhood

  • 下町したまち — old town or traditional downtown area
  • 町民ちょうみん — town residents; people living in a town
  • 横町よこちょう — side street or alley, typically a narrow lane with small shops or homes
  • 町内ちょうない — neighborhood / local area
  • 町長ちょうちょう — town mayor
  • 町工場まちこうば — small town factory / workshop

The word “” appears in many terms about everyday life — from local government to small communities. It’s often contrasted with “,” which also reads まち but evokes a more urban, lively setting like shopping or entertainment areas. Sometimes the two are used interchangeably, though “町” tends to emphasize community and administration, while “街” highlights city life and movement.