Japanese word

急行

Pronunciation

Romajikyūkō

Meaning

  • nounexpress train

Example

急行は普通列車より速いです。kyū kō wa fu tsū res sha yo ri haya i de su

The express train is faster than the local train.

Illustration for 急行 (express train)

More examples

駅員に急行の乗り場を尋ねます。eki in ni kyū kō no no ri ba o tazu ne ma su

I ask a station staff member where to board the express train.

Core concept

Describes a train that reaches its destination faster by stopping only at selected stations.

Common phrases

  • 急行に乗るkyū kō ni no ru

    ride the express train

  • 急行で行くkyū kō de i ku

    go by express train

  • 急行を待つkyū kō o ma tsu

    wait for the express train

Similar words

特急tokkyū: A train service that makes very few stops and often requires an extra fare.
快速kaisoku: A train service that skips some stations and usually does not require an extra fare.
普通列車futsūressha: A train service that stops at most or all stations along its route.

Definition in Japanese

停車する駅を限って、普通列車より短時間で走る列車。tei sha su ru eki o kagi tte fu tsū res sha yo ri tan ji kan de hashi ru res sha

Word origin

急行 (kyūkō) is formed from 急 (kyū, "hurry") and 行 (kō, "go"); the compound meaning of hurried travel developed into the name for this train service.

Usage tips

  • English railway signs often contrast express with local, a pairing that helps connect express train with the idea of limited stops.

Opposites

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

Word lists with this word