汽車
Meanings
1
train; long-distance train
Commonly used for trains, especially long-distance or intercity trains. In modern Japanese, 電車 is more common for local electric trains, but 汽車 is still used for steam or long-distance trains, and in set phrases.
I traveled to Hokkaido by train.
Only a few trains stop at this station each day.
2
steam train
Original meaning; now mostly historical or nostalgic. Refers specifically to steam locomotives. In modern contexts, 蒸気機関車 is more precise.
I saw a model of an old steam train at the museum.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉行きの汽車に乗るto board a train bound for (a place)
I boarded the train bound for Tokyo.
- 汽車で〈場所〉に行くto go somewhere by train
I went to my family's home in the countryside by train.
- 汽車が走るfor a train to run (along a track)
A train was running through the mountains.
- 汽車の汽笛a train's steam whistle
I heard a train whistle in the distance.