Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'passenger' is 乗客 (じょうきゃく). However, the best choice depends on the type of vehicle and context. This guide covers general passengers, passengers in specific vehicles, and related expressions.
The most common, all-purpose word for a passenger on any form of transportation.
The standard, neutral term for a passenger on a train, bus, plane, ship, etc. Used in news, announcements, and everyday conversation.
There were many passengers on that train.
Passenger safety is the top priority.
A more formal term, often used in official contexts like transportation statistics, legal documents, or the travel industry. Can also refer to travelers in general.
The number of passengers increased compared to the previous year.
When referring specifically to someone riding in a car or taxi (not driving).
Still usable for car passengers, especially in formal or general contexts.
A taxi passenger left something behind.
A more casual, descriptive way to say 'person riding in a car'. Natural in conversation when the vehicle is clear from context.
Means 'fellow passenger' or 'person riding together'. Used when emphasizing that someone is riding along with others, often in a private car.
Specifically for air travel.
For maritime travel.
When you need to clarify that someone is not the driver.
In Japanese, you can simply contrast 運転手 (driver) and 乗客 (passenger) to make the distinction clear.
Both the driver and the passenger were injured.
Literally 'person who doesn't drive'. A casual way to refer to a passenger in a car context.
The English loanword パッセンジャー is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick with 乗客 or other native terms.
In casual conversation, if the vehicle is obvious, you can simply say 乗っている人 (person riding) or even just 人 (person). For example, in a car: 「隣の人」 (the person next to me) can imply a passenger.
I asked the person in the car for directions.
The driver and the passenger were involved in an accident.
旅客機が空港に到着した。
The passenger plane arrived at the airport.
船客は船室で休んでいた。
The ship passengers were resting in their cabins.
I'm not driving, so I'll sit in the back.