Meaning and Usage
"下り" (くだり) primarily refers to trains or lines traveling away from Tokyo, often called "down trains" or "down lines." This term is common in railway contexts to distinguish direction relative to Tokyo, the central hub.
Common Contexts
Besides trains, "下り" can also mean "going down" in a literal sense, such as descending a mountain or slope.
Collocations and Patterns
- 下り電車: down train (away from Tokyo)
- 下り線: down line (railway track going away from Tokyo)
- 山を下りる: to go down a mountain
Usage Notes
When using "下り" in transportation, it specifically implies direction relative to Tokyo, so it is mostly used in Japan's railway system. In other contexts, it simply means "going down" or "descending." Learners should not confuse "下り" with "下がり," which can have different grammatical uses.
Register
"下り" is a neutral term used in everyday conversation and official railway announcements.