Translation guide
Refers to high-capacity public transportation systems, typically urban rail, that operate on exclusive rights-of-way. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 地下鉄 (subway), but other terms exist depending on the system type.
subway / metro
The most common way to refer to a rapid transit system, especially an underground urban railway.
Literally 'underground railway'. This is the standard word for subway or metro systems, even if some sections run above ground.
Tokyo's subway is very convenient.
Let's go by subway.
Borrowed from French/English 'metro'. Often used in proper names (e.g., Tokyo Metro) or in a slightly more stylish/urban context.
The Paris Metro has many lines.
A more formal or technical term for an underground railway. Rarely used in everyday speech.
This city has an underground railway system.
Refers to systems that may not be fully underground, often elevated or at-grade, but still rapid transit.
Literally 'urban high-speed railway'. A technical term used in planning and official documents.
The extension plan for the urban rapid transit was announced.
Refers to automated guideway transit (AGT) or new transit systems, often medium-capacity and driverless, like the Yurikamome in Tokyo.
The Yurikamome is a type of automated guideway transit.
Sometimes English speakers confuse rapid transit with high-speed rail. This clarifies the distinction.
This is the bullet train, a high-speed intercity rail, not urban rapid transit. Included here to prevent misuse.
Do not use 新幹線 for urban subways or metros.
I go from Osaka to Tokyo by bullet train.
地下鉄 is the everyday word for subway/metro. メトロ is often part of a brand name (e.g., 東京メトロ) and can sound slightly more fashionable. 都市高速鉄道 is a technical term rarely used in conversation.
A direct translation like 快速輸送 (かいそくゆそう) is not used for urban rail systems. It might be misunderstood as express delivery or fast transport in general.