Translation and Meaning of: 停留所 - teiryuujyo

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 停留所 (ていりゅうじょ). This expression is essential for anyone who wants to get around in Japan or simply understand the daily life of the Japanese. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical use, as well as interesting facts that make this word even more intriguing.

停留所 is a common term in Japanese vocabulary, but do you know exactly when and how to use it? Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations for those who want to master the language. Let's unravel everything from the composition of the kanji to everyday situations in which this word appears.

The meaning and origin of 停留所

The word 停留所 is composed of three kanjis: 停 (stop), 留 (stay), and 所 (place). Together, they form the meaning of "stopping point" or "place where one stays temporarily." In an urban context, it mainly refers to bus or tram stops, places where vehicles make scheduled stops for passenger boarding and disembarking.

The origin of the term dates back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan began to modernize its transportation system. With the introduction of streetcars and buses, there arose a need to name the fixed locations where these vehicles stopped. The choice of kanji was not random: they convey the idea of a momentary interruption in the route, unlike a station (駅), which is a larger terminal.

Everyday use and cultural importance

In contemporary Japan, 停留所 is an everyday word. You will see it on signs, maps, and transportation apps. Unlike train stations, which are busy hubs, 停留所 are simpler points, often just with a bench and a canopy for protection against rain or sun. This simplicity reflects a practical aspect of Japanese culture.

Culturally, the 停留所 represent more than just mere transport points. They are meeting places where neighbors chat while waiting for the bus, or where students line up orderly to board. The punctuality of transport at these locations also reflects the value that Japanese society places on precision and respect for others' time.

Tips for memorization and correct usage

An effective way to remember 停留所 is to associate each kanji with its function. 停 (stop) + 留 (stay) + 所 (place) = a place where you stop and remain briefly. This logical breakdown helps to fix not only the writing but also the very concept behind the word. Another tip is to pay attention to the radicals: 停 and 留 share the radical 亻 (person), suggesting human action.

In practice, it's important to note that 停留所 specifically refers to bus and tram stops. Do not use it for train stations (駅) or taxi stands. In sentences, it often appears with verbs like 待つ (to wait) or 降りる (to get off). For example: 停留所でバスを待っています (I am waiting for the bus at the stop). This concrete application facilitates the assimilation of the term.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• バス停 (basutei) - Bus stop
• バス乗り場 (basu noriba) - Bus boarding location
• バス停留所 (basu teiryūjo) - Bus station
• バスステーション (basu sutēshon) - Bus station
• バス発着場 (basu hacchaku-ba) - Bus arrival and departure location
• バス待ち合わせ場所 (basu machiawase basho) - Bus meeting point
• バス待ち合わせポイント (basu machiawase pointo) - Bus stop
• バス待ち合わせスポット (basu machiawase supotto) - Bus meeting point

停留所

Romaji: teiryuujyo
Kana: ていりゅうじょ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Bus or tram to

Meaning in English: bus or tram stop

Definition: A place where buses, trains, etc. temporarily stop for traffic.

Example Sentences - (停留所) teiryuujyo

See below some example sentences:

私は停留所でバスを待っています。

Watashi wa teiryūjo de basu o matte imasu

I'm waiting for the bus at the bus stop.

I'm waiting for a bus at the stop.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 停留所 (teiryūjo) - means "bus stop" in Japanese
• で (de) - Location particle in Japanese language, used to indicate where something is happening.
• バス (basu) - It means "bus" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - object particle in Japanese, used to indicate the direct object of the sentence
• 待っています (matteimasu) - It means "I am waiting" in Japanese, with "matte" being the verb "to wait" and "imasu" a form to indicate the present continuous.