急行

• Reading: きゅうこう
• Romaji: kyuukou
• Kanji breakdown: 急 (kyuu/iso) — hurry, urgent; 行 (kou/i) — go, travel
• Pronunciation: /kjɯː.koː/

Meaning

Express train or bus; rapid service. A faster transit option that skips some stops.

Functions as a noun and する verb. Refers to express-level train or bus services that skip local stops. In Japan's railway system, 急行 sits between local (各駅停車) and limited express (特急). Also used as a verb meaning to hurry somewhere.

Examples

1. 急行に乗れば、三十分で着きます。 If you take the express, you'll get there in thirty minutes.
2. 次の急行は十時に来るそうです。 I heard the next express comes at ten o'clock.
3. この駅には急行が止まりません。 The express doesn't stop at this station.

Usage Guide

Context: transportation, train stations, commuting

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 急 (hurry, urgent) and 行 (go, travel). Literally 'hurried going,' describing faster transit service.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal