Japanese word

地下鉄

Pronunciation

Romajichikatetsu

Meaning

  • nounsubway

Example

地下鉄で駅へ行きます。chi ka tetsu de eki e i ki ma su

I go to the station by subway.

Illustration for 地下鉄 (subway)

More examples

私は地下鉄の路線図を見ます。watashi wa chi ka tetsu no ro sen zu o mi ma su

I look at the subway map.

Core concept

Refers to a city railway that carries passengers mainly through underground routes, although some sections may run above ground.

Common phrases

  • 地下鉄に乗るchi ka tetsu ni no ru

    take the subway

  • 地下鉄の駅chi ka tetsu no eki

    subway station

  • 地下鉄で行くchi ka tetsu de i ku

    go by subway

Similar words

メトロmetoro: A short borrowed word for a city railway that serves passengers on routes mainly below ground.

Definition in Japanese

都市の地下に設けた鉄道で、旅客を運ぶ交通機関。to shi no chi ka ni mō ke ta tetsu dō de ryo kaku o hako bu kō tsū ki kan

Word origin

The noun 地下鉄 (chikatetsu, "subway") is a shortened form of 地下鉄道 (chikatetsudō, "underground railway"), from 地下 (chika, "underground") and 鉄道 (tetsudō, "railway").

Usage tips

  • In American English, subway is the usual term for this transport system, whereas British English commonly uses underground or Tube.

Word lists with this word