Japanese word

踏切

Pronunciation

Romajifumikiri

Meaning

  • nounlevel crossing

Example

駅の近くに踏切があります。eki no chika ku ni fumikiri ga a ri ma su

There is a level crossing near the station.

Illustration for 踏切 (level crossing)

More examples

警報機が鳴ったら、踏切の前で待ちます。kei hō ki ga na tta ra fumikiri no mae de ma chi ma su

When the warning signal sounds, I wait in front of the level crossing.

Core concept

Marks a place where a road crosses railway tracks at the same level and movement is controlled when a train approaches.

Common phrases

  • 踏切を渡るfumikiri o wata ru

    cross the level crossing

  • 踏切が開くfumikiri ga hira ku

    the level crossing opens

  • 踏切が閉まるfumikiri ga shi ma ru

    the level crossing closes

Similar words

踏切道fumikirimichi: The formal term for a road crossing railway tracks at the same level.

Definition in Japanese

鉄道線路と道路が同じ高さで交差する場所で、列車の通過時には通行を止める所。tetsu dō sen ro to dō ro ga ona ji taka sa de kō sa su ru ba sho de res sha no tsū ka ji ni wa tsū kō o to me ru tokoro

Word origin

踏切 (fumikiri, "level crossing") is the noun form of 踏み切る (fumikiru, "to step across"), combining 踏む (fumu, "step") with 切る (kiru, "cut across").

Usage tips

  • American English often says grade crossing or railroad crossing instead of level crossing, so learners encounter several standard labels for this railway feature.

Word lists with this word