Translation and Meaning of: 交通 - koutsuu
If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 交通[こうつう]. It is quite common in everyday Japanese and appears in various contexts, from traffic signs to informal conversations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical use, as well as tips for memorizing it easily. If you want to master this word and use it correctly, keep reading!
What does 交通[こうつう] mean?
The word 交通[こうつう] is translated as "traffic" or "transit," but its meaning goes a bit further. It refers to the movement of people, vehicles, and goods on public roads, such as streets, highways, and railways. In Japan, where public transportation is highly developed, this word is essential for understanding everything from news about traffic jams to announcements at train stations.
In addition to its literal meaning, 交通 can also appear in expressions such as 交通事故[こうつうじこ] (traffic accident) or 交通機関[こうつうきかん] (means of transportation). Its use is so frequent that even beginners in the language quickly become familiar with it.
Origin and composition of kanjis
The word 交通 is made up of two kanji: 交 (こう), which means "intersection" or "exchange," and 通 (つう), representing "passage" or "flow." Together, they convey the idea of movement that crosses or connects spaces. This combination reflects well the concept of traffic, where different roads and means of transportation meet.
It is worth noting that these kanjis are not exclusive to this word. The same 交 appears in terms like 交差点 [こうさてん] (intersection) and 交流 [こうりゅう] (cultural exchange), while 通 is used in 通勤 [つうきん] (commuting) and 通行止め [つうこうどめ] (road closure). Recognizing these radicals can aid in memorization.
How to use 交通 in daily life
In Japan, 交通 is an essential word for anyone getting around the city. Phrases like 交通が混雑している[こうつうがこんざつしている] (the traffic is congested) or 交通手段を教えてください[こうつうしゅだんをおしえてください] (please tell me how to get there) are helpful for tourists and residents. If you've ever taken a train during rush hour, you know how relevant this vocabulary is.
Another interesting use is in public notices, such as 交通規制[こうつうきせい] (traffic restrictions) or 交通費[こうつうひ] (transportation allowance). Mastering these terms makes life easier for those who need to travel frequently, whether for work or leisure. So, have you noted these expressions down?
Curiosities about traffic in Japan
Japan is known for its efficient transportation system, and the word 交通 is directly linked to this reputation. Tokyo, for example, has one of the world's most punctual subway networks, and terms like 交通系ICカード[こうつうけいアイシーカード] (smart transportation cards) are part of everyday life. Those who have used a Suica or Pasmo know how they make life easier.
Another interesting fact is that, despite the high population density, Japan has one of the lowest traffic accident rates among developed countries. This is partly due to awareness campaigns that frequently use the word 交通, such as 交通安全[こうつうあんぜん] (traffic safety). A proof that the language reflects the culture.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 輸送 (Yusou) - Transport
- 交通機関 (Koutsuu Kikan) - Means of transportation
- 交通網 (Koutsuu Mou) - Transport network
- 交通流 (Koutsuu Ryu) - Traffic flow
- 交通事故 (Koutsuu Jiko) - Traffic accident
- 交通渋滞 (Koutsuu Juutai) - Traffic congestion
Related words
Romaji: koutsuu
Kana: こうつう
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n4
Translation / Meaning: communication; transport; traffic; sexual relations
Meaning in English: communication;transportation;traffic;intercourse
Definition: A way or method to move people or things.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (交通) koutsuu
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (交通) koutsuu:
Example Sentences - (交通) koutsuu
See below some example sentences:
Tetsudou wa Nihon no koutsu shudan no hitotsu desu
The railways are one of the means of transportation in Japan.
The railway is one of Japan's means of transport.
- 鉄道 - Means "railway" in Japanese.
- は - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "railroad".
- 日本 - Means "Japan" in Japanese.
- の - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates possession or belonging, in this case, "of Japan".
- 交通手段 - means "means of transport" in Japanese.
- の - again, it indicates possession or belonging, in this case, "of means of transport".
- 一つ - means "one" in Japanese, in this case, "one of the means of transport".
- です - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.
Douro wa koutsuu no you de aru
Roads are essential for traffic.
The road is the key to traffic.
- 道路 (douro) - Road
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 交通 (koutsuu) - traffic, transport
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 要 (you) - essential, important
- である (dearu) - to be
Monorēru wa benri na kōtsū shudan desu
The monorail is a convenient means of transport.
- モノレール - Monorail
- は - Topic particle
- 便利 - convenient
- な - adjectival suffix
- 交通 - Traffic
- 手段 - Quite
- です - Polite way of "being"
Koutsuu kikan wa benri desu ne
Transport is convenient.
- 交通機関 - public transport
- は - Topic particle
- 便利 - convenient, useful
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
- ね - particle of confirmation or agreement
Kansendouro wa koutsuu no yousho desu
The main road is a key transportation point.
- 幹線道路 - main road
- は - Topic particle
- 交通 - Traffic
- の - Possession particle
- 要所 - key point
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form
Shitetsu wa toshibu de yoku tsukawareru kotsu shudan desu
Private railways are the commonly used transport in urban areas.
- 私鉄 - private railways
- は - Topic particle
- 都市部 - urban areas
- で - Location particle
- よく - often
- 使われる - to be used
- 交通手段 - means of transport
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Other Words of this Type: Noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Noun
