電車

• Reading: でんしゃ
• Romaji: densha
• Kanji breakdown: 電 (den) — electricity, electric; 車 (sha) — vehicle, car
• Pronunciation: /deɴ.ɕa/

Meaning

Train; electric train. The backbone of daily commuting in Japan, especially in urban areas.

A noun meaning electric train. Japan is world-famous for its efficient and punctual train system. 電車 specifically refers to electric trains (as opposed to 汽車, steam trains). It is the most common word for train in everyday conversation, used for commuter lines, subways, and local rail.

Examples

1. 毎朝八時の電車に乗ります。 I take the eight o'clock train every morning.
2. 電車が遅れて会社に遅刻しました。 The train was delayed and I was late to work.
3. この電車は東京駅に止まりますか。 Does this train stop at Tokyo Station?

Usage Guide

Context: commuting, travel, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound of 電 (electricity) and 車 (vehicle). Coined when electric railways were introduced to Japan in the late 19th century.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal