Meaning

Primary

Cityscape

Alternative

Streetscape

Word Type

noun

Explanation

When the streets line up, they create a cityscape.

街並み usually refers to a developed, urban cityscape — imagine rows of buildings and shops with a lively, bustling feel. It can also be used for specific streetscapes, often with a distinct atmosphere or some kind of historical or cultural significance, like ヨーロッパの街並み (a European streetscape).

You'll also see it written as 町並み, but this version tends to be used for quieter, more residential townscapes — often with a slightly sleepy, nostalgic vibe.

Reading

まちなみ
  • Miyuki
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a combination of the words 街 and 並, which you've already learned, so you should be able to read this word too. Just be careful with 並, since the み in なみ is sticking out at the end.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 街並みを見る

    to look at the cityscape

    街並みを形成する

    to form a cityscape

    街並みをながめる

    to gaze at the cityscape

    街並みを残す

    to preserve the streetscape

Context Sentences

高台から街並みを見ると、とても美しいですよ。

The cityscape looks beautiful from the hill.

ヨーロッパの街並みを見て感動しました。

I was impressed by the streetscapes in Europe.

緑の多い街並みはとても落ち着きます。

A cityscape rich with greenery is very calming.

Kanji Composition