Translation guide
A cableway is a transportation system that uses cables to move carriers like gondolas or chairs, often for sightseeing or mountain access. In Japanese, the most common term is ロープウェイ, but other words exist for different types.
cableway (general)
To refer to a cableway system, typically an aerial lift used for sightseeing or transportation up mountains.
The most common and general term for a cableway, especially an aerial lift with enclosed cabins. Used for sightseeing and mountain access.
I rode the Hakone Ropeway and saw Mt. Fuji.
A technical or formal term for a cableway, often used in official names or engineering contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
This cableway is used for freight transport.
To specify a cableway with enclosed cabins (gondolas) that operate in a continuous loop.
Often used to refer to a gondola lift, especially in ski resorts or tourist spots. Can also mean the cabin itself.
I took the gondola at the ski resort to the summit.
A more explicit term for a gondola lift, combining 'gondola' and 'lift'.
To refer to a cableway with open chairs, typically used at ski resorts.
To use a slightly more formal or descriptive term for a ropeway, often seen in official names.
An alternative spelling of ロープウェイ, sometimes used in proper names. Less common in general use.
I go to Nunobiki Herb Garden by the Shin-Kobe Ropeway.
ロープウェイ usually refers to an aerial lift with enclosed cabins, while リフト typically means a chairlift. In ski resorts, ゴンドラ is used for gondola lifts. If unsure, ロープウェイ is a safe general term for cableways used for sightseeing.
This gondola lift holds eight people.
このチェアリフトは高速です。
This chairlift is high-speed.