パトカー
patokā[pa̠to̞ka̠ː]
The English phrase 'police car' is expressed in Japanese as パトカー (patokā). Wiktionary also lists パトロールカー (patorōrukā).
Meaning: automobile used by a police officer (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| パトカー | patokā | [pa̠to̞ka̠ː] (narrow) |
| パトロールカー | patorōrukā | [pa̠to̞ɾo̞ːɾɯ̟ ka̠ː] (narrow) |
The term refers to an automobile used by a police officer.
What does it mean word for word?
The word パトカー is a contraction of the English words 'patrol car'.
Which one should you use?
While パトロールカー (patorōrukā) is a longer, more literal transcription of 'patrol car', パトカー (patokā) is the much more common and natural term used in daily conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
patokā
Did you know?
- In Japanese media, the siren of a パトカー is often transcribed as 'pō-pō' or 'pyū-pyū' depending on the pitch. These sounds are used in manga and subtitles to signal the arrival of the police.
- In Japanese pop culture and children's songs, the パトカー is often personified or grouped with other 'work vehicles' in a category called はたらくくるま (working cars).
- While パトカー is the standard term, you may see the word 警視庁 (keishichō) on the door, referring specifically to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
Examples in context
- トムはパトカーを盗んだ。Tom stole a police car.This sentence shows the use of パトカー in the context of a theft.Tatoeba #8631561 by bunbuku, translation #5571696 by CK
- パトカーを見て彼は逃げた。He ran away at the sight of a police car.This sentence shows the use of パトカー when someone reacts to seeing one.Tatoeba #197945 by small_snow, translation #9101453 by AlanF_US
- 道端にパトカーがとまってます。A police car has stopped on the side of the road.This sentence shows the use of パトカー describing a vehicle stopped on a roadside.Tatoeba #123547 by small_snow, translation #1223474 by CK
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are walking down the street.
- 陽太 Yotaあそこにパトカーがあるよ。Asoko ni patokā ga aru yo.There is a police car over there.
- 結衣 Yui本当だ。何かあったのかな。Hontō da. Nanika atta no kana.You're right. I wonder if something happened.
- 陽太 Yotaサイレンを鳴らして走ってるね。Sairen o narashite hashitteru ne.It's driving with the siren on.
- 結衣 Yui急いでどこかへ行くんだね。Isoide dokoka e iku nda ne.It must be going somewhere in a hurry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “police car” translations and entries パトカー, パトロールカー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
