Japanese word

快速

Pronunciation

Romajikaisoku

Meaning

  • nounrapid train

Example

次の快速に乗りましょう。tsugi no kai soku ni no ri ma shō

Let's take the next rapid train.

Illustration for 快速 (rapid train)

More examples

朝の快速はいつも混んでいます。asa no kai soku wa i tsu mo ko n de i ma su

The morning rapid train is always crowded.

Core concept

Describes a train service that reaches its destination by making fewer stops than a local service.

Common phrases

  • 快速に乗るkai soku ni no ru

    take a rapid train

  • 快速電車kai soku den sha

    rapid train

  • 快速を待つkai soku o ma tsu

    wait for a rapid train

Similar words

急行kyūkō: A train service with a limited stopping pattern that serves major stations along its route.
準急junkyū: A train service that stops at selected stations on some sections and all stations on others.
各駅停車kakuekiteisha: A train service that calls at every station on its route.

Definition in Japanese

普通列車より停車駅を少なくして速く目的地へ向かう列車。fu tsū res sha yo ri tei sha eki o suku na ku shi te haya ku moku teki chi e mu ka u res sha

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound combines 快 (kai, "pleasant") and 速 (soku, "fast") to express swift travel.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese railway announcements, 快速 (kaisoku) usually means a train that skips some stations, so its rapid service refers to its stopping pattern rather than a guaranteed top speed.

Other meanings

  • high speednoun

Opposites

  • 各駅停車kakuekiteishalocal trainnoun
  • 普通列車futsūresshalocal trainnoun

Word lists with this word