特急
「特」(special)と「急」(urgent)から成り立っています。
NOUN
(1)
[/tokˈkʲuː/ja-JP]
limited express
literaltransport
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express train
literaltransport
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special express
literaltransport
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concept sentence
untranslatable
(While 'limited express' is commonly used in a transport context, the concept of 特急 implies both speed and a specific classification in the Japanese rail system which does not have a direct English equivalent.)
In the context of the Japanese railway system, 特急 refers to a type of train service that is faster than a 急行 (rapid or express train) but typically slower than a 新幹線 (bullet train). It makes fewer stops than other types of trains and often requires a special limited express surcharge in addition to the basic fare. While often translated as 'limited express' or 'express train,' the term signifies a specific classification within the Japanese train hierarchy that doesn't have a direct, perfectly equivalent counterpart in many English-speaking countries' rail systems.
- 東京から大阪まで特急に乗って行きました。 — I took a limited express train from Tokyo to Osaka.
- この特急は途中で数駅しか止まりません。 — This limited express train only stops at a few stations along the way.
- 特急券は乗車券とは別に購入する必要があります。 — A limited express ticket needs to be purchased separately from the basic fare ticket.