Translation and Meaning of: 列車 - resha

The Japanese word 「列車」 (ressha) is composed of the kanji 「列」 and 「車」. The kanji 「列」 means "line" or "row," while 「車」 refers to "vehicle" or "car." Therefore, the etymology of 「列車」 can be understood as "vehicle in line" or "vehicle in row," which essentially translates to train. Historically, this word refers to railway trains, which are known to be composed of several cars linked in a linear sequence.

The origin of the term comes from the development of railways in Japan during the Meiji period. The introduction of rail transport was influenced by Western technological advancements, particularly from Europe and North America. Since then, trains have become an essential part of Japan's transportation infrastructure. The use of the term 「列車」 became established as railway networks expanded and modernized.

In contemporary Japan, 「列車」 is a vital part of the vocabulary related to transportation. The country is famous for its high-speed trains, known as 「新幹線」 (shinkansen), which are often distinguished from local or regional trains referred to by the term 「列車」. There are several classifications of trains, such as 「急行」 (kyuukou) for express and 「普通列車」 (futsuu ressha) for local trains, each playing a distinct role in the complex public transportation system of Japan.

In addition to its everyday use, the word 「列車」 also appears in Japanese popular culture, including songs, films, and literature, often symbolizing journeys, transitions, and changes. It can be noted that the train, as a concept, is strongly linked to notions of progress and innovation, reflecting the history and development of Japanese society itself.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 電車 (Densha) - Electric trains
• 列車車両 (Reshasharyō) - Train vehicles (general)
• 鉄道車両 (Tetsudō sharyō) - Rail vehicles (general)
• 鉄道列車 (Tetsudō ressha) - Train
• 鉄道列車車両 (Tetsudō reshasharyō) - Railway train vehicles
• 鉄道列車車両輌 (Tetsudō reshasharyō ryō) - Railway train vehicles (unit specifications)

列車

Romaji: resha
Kana: れっしゃ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: train (common)

Meaning in English: train (ordinary)

Definition: A long train circulating on a railway.

Example Sentences - (列車) resha

See below some example sentences:

寝台列車は快適な旅を提供します。

O trem

bed offers comfortable travel

Sleeping trains offer a comfortable ride.

• 寝台列車 - sleeper train
• は - Topic particle
• 快適な - comfortable
• 旅 - trip
• を - direct object particle
• 提供します - to supply

この列車は脱線しました。

Kono ressha wa dassen shimashita

This train has derailed.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 列車 - noun "train"
• は - Topic particle
• 脱線 - verb "derail"
• しました - verb "did" in the past tense

この列車は直通で東京まで行きます。

Kono ressha wa chokutsū de Tōkyō made ikimasu

This train goes directly to Tokyo.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 列車 - noun meaning "train"
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 直通 - adjective meaning "direct"
• で - grammatical particle that indicates the means or instrument used
• 東京 - noun meaning "Tokyo"
• まで - grammatical particle that indicates the limit or scope of an action
• 行きます - verb meaning "to go"

この列車は正確な軌道を保っています。

Kono ressha wa seikaku na kidō o tamotte imasu

This train is maintaining a precise trajectory.

This train maintains a precise orbit.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 列車 - noun meaning "train"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 正確な - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• 軌道 - noun meaning "trajectory" or "orbit"
• を - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 保っています - verb meaning "maintain" or "preserve" in the present continuous

列車が遅れています。

ressha ga okurete imasu

The train is late.

• 列車 (ressha) - train
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 遅れています (okureteimasu) - you're late

回送する列車は空車です。

Kaisō suru ressha wa kūsha desu

The train being sent back is empty.

The train to be forwarded is empty.

• 回送する - verb meaning "send back"
• 列車 - noun meaning "train"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 空車 - noun meaning "empty carriage"
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of speech

急行列車が駅に到着しました。

Kyūkō ressha ga eki ni tōchaku shimashita

The express train arrived at the station.

• 急行列車 - Express train
• が - subject particle
• 駅 - Season
• に - place particle
• 到着 - Arrival
• しました - verb "arrive" in the polite past

特急は速い列車です。

Tokkyū wa hayai ressha desu

The Tokkyū is a fast train.

Limited Express is a fast train.

• 特急 - Express train
• は - Topic particle
• 速い - fast
• 列車 - train
• です - is

私たちは列車に乗り込んだ。

Watashitachi wa ressha ni norikonda

We get on the train.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 列車 - Train
• に - Particle that indicates destination or location
• 乗り込んだ - "Entramos" in Japanese