Translation and Meaning of: 旅客 - ryokaku

The Japanese word 「旅客」 (ryokaku) is composed of two kanji: 「旅」 which means "travel" or "journey," and 「客」 which denotes "passenger" or "customer." The combination of these characters forms the expression that refers to a traveler or passenger. It is mainly used in the context of transportation such as airplanes, trains, and buses, where it refers to individuals boarding a journey. The pronunciation in hiragana is りょかく, and in romaji, it is written as ryokaku.

The origin of the term can be traced back to the extensive use of both kanji in the Japanese language. 「旅」 (tabi) has ancient roots and is often associated with travel and movement. On the other hand, 「客」 (kyaku) refers to someone who is received or accommodated somewhere, such as a visitor or customer. In this way, 「旅客」 combines these meanings to create a term that designates those who travel, often for commercial purposes.

Throughout the history and development of the transportation system in Japan, the term 「旅客」 finds its relevance mainly in documents, signage in stations and airports, and in the communication among professionals in the transportation sector. With the evolution of means of transport, the term has expanded to include a range of contexts, describing both passengers on long journeys and those commuting daily within urban areas.

In cultural terms, the notion of 「旅客」 is accompanied by hospitality practices and routines, a central characteristic of Japanese society. The kindness with which travelers are treated is part of the so-called "omotenashi", a concept deeply rooted in Japan that emphasizes the importance of taking good care of guests and passengers. Thus, the idea of 「旅客」 transcends the mere transaction of services, standing out as a rich cultural experience.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

乗客 (Jōkyaku) - Passenger, a person who is in a means of transportation.
旅人 (Tabibito) - Traveler, a person who travels, usually for leisure or exploration.
旅行者 (Ryokōsha) - Tourist, a person who is traveling, especially to visit new places.
客人 (Kyakujin) - Guest, visitor, person who visits or is received in a place.