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.
Please call a taxi.
Expressing the action of using a taxi.
Literally 'to ride a taxi'. The most natural way to say 'take a taxi'.
Getting a taxi to come to you.
Literally 'to pick up a taxi'. Means to hail a taxi on the street.
Talking about the cost of a taxi ride.
Referring to the person driving the taxi.
Literally 'taxi driver'. 運転手 means driver (professional).
A designated place where taxis wait for passengers.
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.
I reserved a hired car to the airport.
I caught a taxi in front of the station.
It's raining, so let's take a taxi.
Literally 'to use a taxi'. Slightly more formal or matter-of-fact.
I'll use a taxi because I don't have time.
You can hail a taxi on the main street.
To call a taxi (by phone or app).
Can you call a taxi for me at the hotel?
Taxi fare. A compound of タクシー and 代 (charge/fee).
How much is the taxi fare?
I told the taxi driver the way.
Loanword 'taxi driver'. Common in casual speech.
That taxi driver was kind.
Taxi stand. 乗り場 means boarding place.
Where is the taxi stand at the station?