Meaning and Usage
The word "交通" (こうつう) primarily refers to "traffic" or "transportation" in general. It covers the movement of vehicles, people, and goods on roads, railways, and other transport systems.
Common Contexts
You will often see "交通" used in contexts related to city infrastructure, commuting, and safety. For example, "交通事故" means "traffic accident," and "交通渋滞" means "traffic jam."
Collocations and Patterns
- 交通事故 (こうつうじこ): traffic accident — used when talking about accidents involving vehicles.
- 交通渋滞 (こうつうじゅうたい): traffic jam — describes congestion on roads.
- 交通手段 (こうつうしゅだん): means of transportation — refers to ways to travel, like buses, trains, or cars.
- 交通費 (こうつうひ): transportation expenses — costs related to travel.
Register and Nuance
"交通" is a neutral, formal noun commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese. It is appropriate in everyday conversation, news reports, and official documents.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "交通" with "運転" (うんてん, driving). Remember, "交通" refers to the overall traffic or transportation system, while "運転" specifically means "driving" a vehicle.