片道

• Reading: かたみち
• Romaji: katamichi
• Kanji breakdown: 片 (kata/hen) — one-sided, partial; 道 (michi/dou) — road, way, path
• Pronunciation: /ka.ta.mi.tɕi/

Meaning

One-way trip. Travelling in one direction only, as opposed to a round trip.

A noun often used with 切符 (ticket) or 料金 (fare). The opposite is 往復 (round trip). At ticket counters and machines, 片道 and 往復 are the two main options. Also used figuratively to describe a journey with no return.

Examples

1. 東京までの片道切符をください。 One one-way ticket to Tokyo, please.
2. 片道だけで三時間かかります。 It takes three hours one way.
3. 片道の料金はいくらですか。 How much is the one-way fare?

Usage Guide

Context: train stations, airports, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 片 (one-sided, partial) and 道 (road, way). Literally means one side of the road — travelling only one direction of the path.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal