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.
Japan's railways are punctual.
The construction of the railway is progressing.
Specifically refers to the railway tracks or rails. More concrete than 鉄道.
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.
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).
I'll go to Tokyo Station on the Yamanote Line.
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.
The railway system is well-developed.
There is a house near the railway tracks.
This line gets crowded.
新しい路線が開通しました。
A new railway line has opened.