Translation and Meaning of: 停車 - teisha

The Japanese word 停車 (ていしゃ) is a common term in everyday life in Japan, especially for those who use public transportation or drive. If you've ever wondered what it means, how to use it, or even the origin of this word, this article will clarify everything in a simple and straightforward manner. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate explanations for learners and those curious about the Japanese language.

停車 is not just a technical term – it appears on signs, announcements, and even in informal conversations. Its main meaning is "to stop the vehicle," but there are interesting nuances worth exploring. Let's dive into the details, from its writing in kanji to memorization tips based on proven methods.

Meaning and use of 停車 in everyday Japanese.

停車 is formed by the kanjis 停 (to stop, to suspend) and 車 (vehicle, car), literally translating to "vehicle stop". In practical use, it mainly refers to the action of a train, bus, or car stopping at a certain location. Unlike 駐車 (ちゅうしゃ), which indicates parking, 停車 implies a temporary stop.

You will frequently encounter this term at train stations, as in the expression 各駅停車 (かくえきていしゃ), which means "local train." It also appears in signs such as 停車禁止 (ていしゃきんし), indicating a prohibition on stopping the vehicle. It is an essential word for those who wish to navigate the Japanese transportation system without difficulties.

The origin and components kanji of 停車

The etymology of 停車 dates back to classical Chinese, where 停 already carried the meaning of "pause" or "interruption." The kanji 車, in turn, represents vehicles in general – from ancient carriages to modern automobiles. Together, these characters create a clear image: the suspension of the movement of a transport.

An interesting detail is that 停 appears in other words related to interruptions, such as 停止 (ていし - cessation) and 停電 (ていでん - blackout). This connection helps to memorize the meaning when encountered in different contexts. Observing the radicals is also useful: 停 contains the radical 亻 (left side), which often indicates human actions.

Practical tips to memorize and use 停車

To fix 停車 in memory, associate the kanjis with real situations. Imagine yourself at a train station seeing the notice 臨時停車 (りんじていしゃ) - "temporary stop". This type of concrete context helps the brain retain the vocabulary. Another strategy is to create flashcards with images of traffic signs containing the term.

According to studies on language acquisition, such as those by researcher Paul Nation, words learned through real communication needs have a higher retention rate. Therefore, when visiting Japan or studying transportation maps, pay special attention to where 停車 appears – this will transform learning into something organic and lasting.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 停止 (Teishi) - Interruption; momentary stop.
• 駐車 (Chuusha) - Parking; the act of parking a vehicle.
• 停泊 (Teihaku) - Anchorage; the stop of a ship at a port.
• 静止 (Seishi) - Immobility; state of not moving.

停車

Romaji: teisha
Kana: ていしゃ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Stopping (e.g. train)

Meaning in English: stopping (e.g. train)

Definition: When cars, bicycles, etc. temporarily stop moving.

Example Sentences - (停車) teisha

See below some example sentences:

電車が停車しました。

Densha ga teisha shimashita

The train stopped.

• 電車 - means "train" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 停車 - means "stop" in Japanese.
• しました - past form of the verb "to do" in Japanese.