急行

きゅうこう

express train or bus

JLPT N4

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"急行" (きゅうこう) refers to an express train or bus that stops at fewer stations than local services, allowing faster travel over longer distances. It is commonly used in public transportation contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 急行電車 (きゅうこうでんしゃ): express train
  • 急行バス: express bus
  • 急行に乗る: to take an express train or bus

Register and Nuance

"急行" is a neutral term used in everyday conversation and announcements. It is polite and formal enough for public signs and schedules.

Usage Tips

When you say "急行に乗る," you imply choosing a faster option than local trains or buses. Be careful not to confuse "急行" with "特急" (とっきゅう), which is a limited express train with even fewer stops and higher speed. "急行" is a middle level between local and limited express services.

Example Sentences

きゅうこうでんしゃはふつうでんしゃよりもていしゃえきがすくないです。

Express trains stop at fewer stations than local trains.

きゅうこうバスでくうこうまでいきます。

I will go to the airport by express bus.

きゅうこうにのりおくれたので、つぎのふつうでんしゃにのりました。

I missed the express train, so I took the next local train.