Japanese word

ラッシュアワー

Pronunciation

Romajirasshuawā

Meaning

  • nounrush hour

Example

朝のラッシュアワーは電車が混みます。asa no ra sshu a wā wa den sha ga ko mi ma su

Trains are crowded during the morning rush hour.

Illustration for ラッシュアワー (rush hour)

More examples

私はラッシュアワーを避けて、少し早く家を出ます。watashi wa ra sshu a wā o sa ke te suko shi haya ku ie o de ma su

I leave home a little early to avoid rush hour.

Core concept

Describes the time when many people travel to or from work or school, making roads and public transport especially crowded.

Common phrases

  • 夕方のラッシュアワーyū gata no ra sshu a wā

    evening rush hour

  • ラッシュアワーを避けるra sshu a wā o sa ke ru

    avoid rush hour

Similar words

通勤ラッシュtsūkinrasshu: A time when large numbers of commuters travel and public transport becomes crowded.

Definition in Japanese

通勤や通学などで交通機関や道路が特に混雑する時間帯。tsū kin ya tsū gaku na do de kō tsū ki kan ya dō ro ga toku ni kon zatsu su ru ji kan tai

Word origin

The Japanese loanword ラッシュアワー (rasshu awā) comes from the English phrase "rush hour," formed from rush, meaning a sudden period of heavy activity, and hour, meaning a period of time.

Usage tips

  • In English, rush hour usually refers to peak commuting periods, so it can last longer than one literal hour.

Word lists with this word