What is 定期券?
定期券 (ていきけん) is a type of ticket used mainly for commuting by train, bus, or subway. It allows unlimited rides between two designated stations or stops for a fixed period, such as one month or three months. This makes it cost-effective for regular travelers.
Usage and Context
People often buy 定期券 to save money on daily commutes to work or school. It is common to specify the period (e.g., 1 month, 3 months) when purchasing. The ticket is usually shown to staff or scanned when entering transportation.
Common Collocations
- 定期券を買う: to buy a commuter pass
- 定期券で乗る: to ride using a commuter pass
- 学生定期券: student commuter pass (discounted)
- 定期券の期間: the validity period of the commuter pass
Register and Politeness
The word 定期券 is neutral and used in everyday conversation and formal announcements alike. It is a standard term in transportation contexts.
Learner Tips
Do not confuse 定期券 with 普通乗車券 (ふつうじょうしゃけん), which is a regular one-time ticket. 定期券 implies repeated use over a set period and usually offers a discount compared to buying single tickets every day.