What is 特急?
特急 (とっきゅう) refers to a limited express train in Japan, which is faster than a regular express train because it stops at fewer stations. It is commonly used for longer-distance travel between major cities.
Usage and Context
When you see 特急 on a train schedule or ticket, it means the train will skip many smaller stations to save time. Passengers usually need to purchase a special ticket called a 特急券 (limited express ticket) in addition to the regular fare.
Common Collocations
- 特急電車 (とっきゅうでんしゃ): limited express train
- 特急券 (とっきゅうけん): limited express ticket
- 特急料金 (とっきゅうりょうきん): limited express surcharge
Tips for Learners
Be careful not to confuse 特急 with 急行 (きゅうこう), which is an express train but stops at more stations than a 特急. Also, remember that riding a 特急 usually requires an extra fee, so always check if you need to buy a 特急券.
Using 特急 correctly will help you talk about train travel efficiently and understand Japanese train schedules better.