Translation guide
The English word 'transport' covers moving people or goods, the system for doing so, vehicles, and even strong emotions. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Referring to the overall system or means of moving people or goods, such as public transport.
The most common word for 'transport' as a system or infrastructure, especially public transport.
東京の交通は便利です。
Transport in Tokyo is convenient.
公共交通機関を利用してください。
Please use public transport.
Specifically refers to transport facilities or services, like buses and trains.
この地域は交通機関が少ない。
This area has limited transport options.
Refers to transport as an industry or large-scale freight/passenger movement. Often used in business or official contexts.
運輸業界は規制が多い。
The transport industry has many regulations.
The action of carrying or moving people or goods from one place to another.
General term for transporting goods or people, often used for logistics and freight.
商品をトラックで輸送する。
Transport goods by truck.
緊急物資の輸送が急がれる。
The transport of emergency supplies is urgent.
Common verb meaning 'to carry' or 'to transport'. More casual and physical than 輸送.
Used for transferring people (e.g., patients, prisoners) or specific items, often in official contexts.
Referring to a specific vehicle or method used for transportation.
General word for any vehicle or conveyance (car, train, bicycle, etc.).
どんな乗り物が好きですか？
What kind of transport do you like?
A state of being deeply moved or overwhelmed by strong emotion, as in 'transported with joy'.
Literally 'forget oneself', meaning to be so absorbed or transported by emotion that one loses self-awareness.
彼女は喜びに我を忘れた。
She was transported with joy.
To be ecstatic or in raptures; conveys being carried away by happiness.
彼は成功して有頂天になっている。
He is transported by his success.
交通 (kōtsū) refers to the system or flow of traffic/transport, while 輸送 (yusō) focuses on the act of transporting goods or people. Use 交通 for public transport and infrastructure, and 輸送 for logistics and shipping.
The katakana word トランスポート (toransupōto) is rarely used in natural Japanese. It may appear in some technical or brand names, but for everyday use, stick to the native terms above.
I transported the luggage by car.
Transport the patient to another hospital.
Means of transport, often used when discussing options like bus, train, or walking.
交通手段は何を使いますか？
What means of transport do you use?