Translation guide
In Japanese, 'railway' is most commonly expressed as 鉄道 (tetsudō), which refers to the railway system or tracks. For train lines or routes, 線 (sen) is used as a suffix. The word レールウェイ (rēruwei) is a direct loanword but is less common and mainly used in proper names.
Referring to the railway as a transportation system, infrastructure, or the tracks themselves.
The standard term for 'railway' as a system or infrastructure. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
日本の鉄道は時間に正確です。
Japan's railways are punctual.
鉄道の建設が進んでいます。
The construction of the railway is progressing.
Specifically refers to the railway tracks or rails. More concrete than 鉄道.
線路に立ち入らないでください。
Please do not enter the railway tracks.
Loanword from English, used mainly in proper names like 'Railway Museum' or in historical contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
鉄道博物館は英語で 'The Railway Museum' と言います。
The Railway Museum is called 'Tetsudō Hakubutsukan' in Japanese.
Referring to a specific railway line or route, such as the Yamanote Line.
Suffix meaning 'line'. Attach to the name of the line. E.g., 山手線 (Yamanote Line), 東海道線 (Tōkaidō Line).
山手線で東京駅まで行きます。
I'll go to Tokyo Station on the Yamanote Line.
この電車は中央線です。
This train is the Chūō Line.
Refers to a route or line, often used in broader contexts like bus routes or railway lines. More abstract than 〜線.
鉄道 (tetsudō) is the general concept of a railway system. 線路 (senro) specifically means the tracks. 路線 (rosen) refers to a route or line, and can be used for buses as well.
鉄道が発達している。
The railway system is well-developed.
線路のそばに家がある。
There is a house near the railway tracks.
この路線は混雑する。
This line gets crowded.
A new railway line has opened.