Japanese word

新幹線

Pronunciation

Romajishinkansen

Meaning

  • nounbullet train

Example

明日新幹線に乗ります。ashita shin kan sen ni no ri ma su

I will take the bullet train tomorrow.

Illustration for 新幹線 (bullet train)

More examples

駅で新幹線の切符を買いました。eki de shin kan sen no kippu o ka i ma shi ta

I bought a bullet train ticket at the station.

Core concept

Refers to a dedicated high-speed rail service that carries travelers between major cities.

Common phrases

  • 新幹線で行くshin kan sen de i ku

    go by bullet train

  • 新幹線に乗るshin kan sen ni no ru

    ride the bullet train

  • 新幹線の切符shin kan sen no kippu

    bullet train ticket

  • 新幹線を予約するshin kan sen o yo yaku su ru

    reserve a bullet train seat

Definition in Japanese

主に専用の高速線路を走り、都市間を結ぶ鉄道またはその列車。omo ni sen yō no kō soku sen ro o hashi ri to shi kan o musu bu tetsu dō ma ta wa so no res sha

Word origin

The compound 新幹線 (shinkansen, "new trunk line") combines 新 (shin, "new"), 幹 (kan, "trunk"), and 線 (sen, "line").

Usage tips

  • At large Japanese stations, signs and announcements often distinguish 新幹線 (shinkansen) from local trains, marking the long-distance service.

Word lists with this word