救急車

• Reading: きゅうきゅうしゃ
• Romaji: kyuukyuusha
• Kanji breakdown: 救 (kyuu) — rescue, save; 急 (kyuu) — urgent; 車 (sha) — vehicle
• Pronunciation: /kjɯː.kjɯː.ɕa/

Meaning

Ambulance. A vehicle equipped for transporting sick or injured people to hospital.

One of the most practical medical vocabulary words. In Japan, ambulances are called by dialing 119 (not 911). The service is free of charge, which is unusual globally. Common phrases include 救急車を呼ぶ (to call an ambulance) and 救急車で運ばれる (to be transported by ambulance).

Examples

1. すぐに救急車を呼んでください。 Please call an ambulance right away.
2. 救急車のサイレンが聞こえてきた。 I could hear the siren of an ambulance approaching.
3. 母が倒れて救急車で病院に運ばれた。 My mother collapsed and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Usage Guide

Context: emergency, daily life, travel

Tone: urgent

Origin & History

Compound of 救急 (kyuukyuu, emergency aid) and 車 (sha, vehicle). Literally 'emergency aid vehicle.' The concept of dedicated ambulance vehicles became widespread in Japan during the post-war modernization of emergency services.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal