地下鉄
chikatetsu[t͡ɕi̥ka̠te̞t͡sɨ]
The Japanese phrase for subway is 地下鉄 (chikatetsu). Wiktionary also lists メトロ (metoro).
Meaning: underground railway (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 地下鉄 | chikatetsu | [t͡ɕi̥ka̠te̞t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| メトロ | metoro | [me̞to̞ɾo̞] (narrow) |
地下鉄 is the most common and general term used to refer to any subway or underground railway system in Japan.
Which one should you use?
While 地下鉄 is the standard term, メトロ (metoro) is often used in brand names or colloquially, such as in Tokyo Metro (東京メトロ).
How do you pronounce it?
chikatetsu
Did you know?
- The term メトロ is borrowed from the French 'métro' rather than the English 'metro'. This reflects the historical influence of French urban planning on early Japanese modernization.
- When riding the 地下鉄 in Japan, passengers typically form orderly lines on the platform according to markings on the floor. Boarding in a disorganized manner is considered a significant social faux pas.
- In Tokyo, the word 地下鉄 refers to two different companies: Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. Because they are operated by different entities, you cannot always use the same ticket or pass for both.
Examples in context
- 地下鉄に乗ろう。Let's take the subway.This sentence is useful for suggesting an action involving the 地下鉄.Tatoeba #127015 by bunbuku, translation #277075 by CK
- 地下鉄に乗るのは嫌いだ。I hate riding the subway.This sentence is useful for expressing a feeling toward riding the 地下鉄.Tatoeba #3357771 by arnab, translation #2912198 by astyng
- 彼らは地下鉄で行きました。They took the subway.This sentence is useful for describing a completed action involving the 地下鉄.Tatoeba #96575 by KK_kaku_, translation #307130 by CK
- おはようございます、今日は地下鉄に乗ります。Good morning, today I will take the subway.
- 明日、メトロで会いましょう。Let's meet tomorrow at the subway.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing how to get to a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki地下鉄で行くほうが早いよ。Chikatetsu de iku hou ga hayai yo.It's faster to go by subway.
- 蓮 Ren本当に？ 地下鉄は便利だね。Hontou ni? Chikatetsu wa benri da ne.Really? The subway is convenient, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、駅からすぐだよ。Un, eki kara sugu da yo.Yeah, it's right from the station.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、地下鉄を使おう。Jaa, chikatetsu o tsukaou.Then, let's use the subway.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “subway” translations and entries 地下鉄, メトロ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries メトロ, 地下鉄, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
