Translation guide
The English word 'taxi' is commonly used in Japanese as タクシー (takushii). This guide covers how to refer to taxis, take a taxi, and related expressions.
Referring to a taxi as a vehicle or service.
The standard loanword for 'taxi'. Used in all contexts.
タクシーを呼んでください。
Please call a taxi.
駅前でタクシーを拾った。
I caught a taxi in front of the station.
Expressing the action of using a taxi.
Literally 'to ride a taxi'. The most natural way to say 'take a taxi'.
雨が降っているので、タクシーに乗りましょう。
It's raining, so let's take a taxi.
Literally 'to use a taxi'. Slightly more formal or matter-of-fact.
時間がないので、タクシーを使います。
I'll use a taxi because I don't have time.
Getting a taxi to come to you.
Literally 'to pick up a taxi'. Means to hail a taxi on the street.
大通りでタクシーを拾えます。
You can hail a taxi on the main street.
To call a taxi (by phone or app).
ホテルでタクシーを呼んでもらえますか？
Can you call a taxi for me at the hotel?
Talking about the cost of a taxi ride.
Taxi fare. A compound of タクシー and 代 (charge/fee).
タクシー代はいくらですか？
How much is the taxi fare?
Referring to the person driving the taxi.
Literally 'taxi driver'. 運転手 means driver (professional).
タクシーの運転手に道を教えました。
I told the taxi driver the way.
Loanword 'taxi driver'. Common in casual speech.
あのタクシードライバーは親切だった。
That taxi driver was kind.
A designated place where taxis wait for passengers.
Taxi stand. 乗り場 means boarding place.
駅のタクシー乗り場はどこですか？
Where is the taxi stand at the station?
In Japan, タクシー refers to standard taxis you can hail on the street. ハイヤー (hire) refers to a hired car with a chauffeur, often pre-booked and more luxurious. Don't confuse them.
空港までハイヤーを予約した。
I reserved a hired car to the airport.