Meaning and Usage
The word 片道 (かたみち) specifically refers to a one-way trip or journey, meaning travel in a single direction without a planned return. It is commonly used when buying tickets or describing travel plans.
Common Contexts
You will often see 片道 used with transportation tickets such as 電車の片道切符 (one-way train ticket) or 飛行機の片道航空券 (one-way airline ticket). It contrasts with 往復 (おうふく), which means round-trip.
Collocations and Patterns
- 片道切符 (かたみちきっぷ): one-way ticket
- 片道料金 (かたみちりょうきん): one-way fare
- 片道だけ: only one way
These phrases are useful when discussing travel costs or plans.
Register and Nuance
片道 is neutral and commonly used in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike. It is a straightforward term without special politeness levels.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 片道 with 往復, so be sure to remember 片道 means one-way only, not round-trip. Also, 片道 is not used for abstract directions but specifically for travel or transport routes.