Translation guide
This entry explains how to describe the act of evading train fares by purchasing tickets only for the entry and exit stations, skipping the middle portion of the journey. It covers common Japanese terms and phrases used in this context.
To refer to the act of cheating on train fare by buying tickets only for the first and last parts of the journey, leaving the middle unpaid.
The most common and specific term for this type of fare evasion. Originally from the word for a type of smoking pipe, it metaphorically refers to only paying for the 'ends' of the journey.
彼はキセルで捕まった。
He got caught for fare evasion by splitting tickets.
A phrase combining 'kiseru' with 'riding', explicitly meaning 'kiseru riding'.
キセル乗車は犯罪です。
Kiseru riding is a crime.
A more formal way to refer to the act of 'kiseru', often used in legal or official contexts.
キセル行為は不正乗車の一種です。
Kiseru acts are a type of fare evasion.
To describe fare evasion in general, which can include the specific method of splitting tickets.
The formal term for 'illegal riding' or fare evasion. It covers all types, including kiseru.
不正乗車は罰金の対象になります。
Fare evasion is subject to fines.
Literally 'free riding', meaning riding without paying the fare. It can be used for any fare evasion, but is less specific than kiseru.
To express the action of cheating on train fare by splitting tickets.
The most common way to say 'to do kiseru'.
彼はよくキセルをしていた。
He used to often cheat on train fares by splitting tickets.
A slightly more explicit phrase meaning 'to engage in kiseru riding'.
キセル乗車をすると捕まるよ。
You'll get caught if you do kiseru riding.
Do not try to translate the English phrase literally into Japanese. The concept is encapsulated by the slang term キセル. Using a long descriptive phrase would sound unnatural.
キセル is widely understood in Japan, but it is slang. In formal writing or news, 不正乗車 is preferred.
無賃乗車は法律違反です。
Riding without paying is against the law.