local train; regular train; train that stops at every station
A train service that stops at all stations along its route, as opposed to rapid or express services. Often contrasted with 快速電車 (rapid train) or 急行電車 (express train).
See also: 普通列車
The local train stops at every station.
I'm not in a hurry, so I'll take the local train.
Synonymous; 普通列車 is a more general term for a local train, while 普通電車 specifically refers to an electric train (電車).
A rapid train that skips some stations, unlike 普通電車 which stops at every station.
An express train that stops at even fewer stations than a rapid train.
Compound of 普通 (ふつう, 'ordinary, regular') and 電車 (でんしゃ, 'electric train'). The term reflects its role as the basic, all-stops service.