駅

• Reading: えき
• Romaji: eki
• Kanji breakdown: 駅 (eki) — station (contains 馬 horse radical, from its origin as a horse relay post)
• Pronunciation: /e.ki/

Meaning

Railway station; train station. A central feature of daily life in Japan.

A noun meaning train station. Stations in Japan are hubs of activity, often containing shops, restaurants, and department stores. Major stations like 東京駅 (Tokyo Station) and 新宿駅 (Shinjuku Station) serve millions of passengers daily. The word is used for railway stations specifically, not bus stops.

Examples

1. 駅まで歩いて五分です。 It's a five-minute walk to the station.
2. 駅の近くにコンビニがあります。 There's a convenience store near the station.
3. 東京駅で友達に会いました。 I met my friend at Tokyo Station.

Usage Guide

Context: commuting, directions, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Originally meant a relay station for horses on major roads during the Edo period. The kanji 駅 contains 馬 (horse), reflecting this history. Its meaning shifted to railway station in the Meiji era.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal