Meaning and Usage
"運転手" (うんてんしゅ) specifically refers to a person whose job is to drive a vehicle, such as a bus, taxi, or truck. It is a formal noun used to identify professional drivers.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "運転手" in contexts involving public transportation or hired driving services. For example, bus drivers, taxi drivers, and chauffeurs are all called "運転手".
Collocations and Patterns
- 運転手として (as a driver): Used to describe someone's occupation.
- 運転手に〜を頼む (ask the driver to...): Common when giving instructions or requests.
- 安全運転をする運転手 (a driver who drives safely): Emphasizes responsibility.
Register and Politeness
"運転手" is a neutral and polite term suitable for both formal and informal situations. It is not casual slang but standard vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "運転手" with "ドライバー" (driver), which is a loanword often used more casually or for non-professional drivers. Use "運転手" when referring to someone driving as a job.