Japanese word

軽自動車

Pronunciation

Romajikeijidōsha

Meaning

  • nounkei car

Example

この町では軽自動車が人気です。ko no machi de wa kei ji dō sha ga nin ki de su

Kei cars are popular in this town.

Illustration for 軽自動車 (kei car)

More examples

通勤には軽自動車を使っています。tsū kin ni wa kei ji dō sha o tsuka tte i ma su

I use a kei car for commuting.

Core concept

Describes a Japanese vehicle category defined by legal limits on body size, engine capacity, and other specifications.

Common phrases

  • 軽自動車に乗るkei ji dō sha ni no ru

    drive a kei car

  • 軽自動車を買うkei ji dō sha o ka u

    buy a kei car

  • 軽自動車で通勤するkei ji dō sha de tsū kin su ru

    commute by kei car

Similar words

軽kei: A casual abbreviated term for a vehicle in this Japanese legal category.
軽四keiyon: An abbreviated name for a Japanese light four-wheeled vehicle.

Definition in Japanese

排気量や車体の大きさなどが法令で定める基準以下に制限された自動車。hai ki ryō ya sha tai no ō ki sa na do ga hō rei de sada me ru ki jun i ka ni sei gen sa re ta ji dō sha

Word origin

The compound combines 軽 (kei, "light") with 自動車 (jidōsha, "automobile"), presenting the vehicle as a regulated light automobile.

Usage tips

  • In English, kei car is an established loanword for this specifically Japanese vehicle category, so it does not mean just any small car.

Other meanings

  • light motor vehiclenoun

Word lists with this word