新幹線
shinkansen[ɕĩŋkã̠ɰ̃sẽ̞ɴ]
The Japanese phrase for "bullet train" is 新幹線 (shinkansen).
The official term for the bullet train is Shinkansen (新幹線), which literally translates to 'new trunk line' or 'new main line'.
Meaning: high-speed train (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of 新 (new), 幹線 (trunk line/main line).
How do you pronounce it?
shinkansen
Did you know?
- The 新幹線 is so punctual that Japanese railways publish apologies if a train is delayed by as little as one minute.
- Japanese has a specific term 新幹線効果 (shinkansen kōka) or 'shinkansen effect' to describe how the arrival of a high-speed line transforms a rural town into a commercial hub.
- While 新幹線 translates as 'new trunk line', the Japanese word for a literal bullet is 弾丸 (dangan). Because these two words are unrelated, a Japanese speaker might be confused if you tried to describe the train using words for ammunition.
Examples in context
- 新幹線がごうごう音たてて通り過ぎた。The bullet train came roaring past.This sentence illustrates the sound of the 新幹線 passing.Tatoeba #460327 by beauzavier, translation #460328 by beauzavier
- 私は新幹線から見える景色が大好きです。I love the scenery you can see from the bullet train.This sentence describes the view from the 新幹線.Tatoeba #3421881 by taiyou, translation #3422395 by danieljtah
- 東北・秋田新幹線が運転を見合わせるなど交通も混乱した。Traffic was also disrupted including the suspension of the Akita, Tohoku bullet train.This sentence discusses the suspension of service on the Tohoku and Akita 新幹線 lines.Tatoeba #74101 by fcbond, translation #329619 by fcbond
- 日本の名物である新幹線に乗って、東京から大阪まで2時間30分で到着します。By taking the iconic Shinkansen, you can arrive from Tokyo to Osaka in just 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- 関西の友達と一緒にのぞみに乗る予定です。I'm planning to ride the Nozomi train with my friends from the Kansai region.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are planning a trip to Osaka.
- 蓮 Ren大阪まで新幹線で行きましょうか。Osaka made shinkansen de ikimashou ka.Shall we go to Osaka by bullet train?
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね。その方が早いですし。Ii desu ne. Sono hou ga hayai desu shi.That sounds good. It's faster that way.
- 蓮 Ren新幹線のチケットを予約しますね。Shinkansen no chiketto o yoyaku shimasu ne.I will reserve the bullet train tickets.
- 結衣 Yuiお願いします、蓮さん。Onegaishimasu, Ren-san.Please do, Ren.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 新幹線, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
