汽車

• Reading: きしゃ
• Romaji: kisha
• Kanji breakdown: 汽 (ki) — steam, vapour; 車 (sha/kuruma) — vehicle, car, wheel
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɕa/

Meaning

Steam train; train. Originally a steam-powered railway vehicle.

A noun that historically referred to steam locomotives. In modern standard Japanese, 電車 (electric train) is far more common. However, in some rural regions, particularly Hokkaido and parts of Tohoku, older speakers still use 汽車 to mean any train. Often encountered in literature, songs, and historical contexts.

Examples

1. 昔はこの町にも汽車が走っていた。 Steam trains used to run through this town too.
2. 博物館で古い汽車を見ました。 I saw old steam trains at the museum.
3. 祖父は若い頃、汽車で旅行をしたそうです。 My grandfather says he used to travel by steam train when he was young.

Usage Guide

Context: history, literature, regional dialect

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 汽 (steam, vapour) and 車 (vehicle, car). Literally means steam vehicle, dating from the era when trains were powered by steam engines.

Cultural Context

Era: Early Modern

Generation: Older

Social background: Universal