Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 乗り物 | norimono | [no̞ɾʲimo̞no̞] (narrow) |
| 輸送機関 | yusōkikan | |
| 交通機関 | kōtsū kikan | [ko̞ːt͡sɨːkʲi̥kã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
The term used depends on whether you are referring to an individual vehicle, a logistical system for moving goods or the public transit infrastructure used by people.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 乗り物 is composed of the verb 乗り (nori), meaning "to ride" and 物 (mono), meaning "thing".
Which one should you use?
乗り物 refers to individual vehicles or things one rides. In contrast, 交通機関 refers to organized systems or infrastructure of transportation, such as public transit. While both can relate to moving people, 輸送機関 focuses on the technical or logistical aspect of moving goods or people, whereas 交通機関 focuses on the public transit systems used by the public.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
交通機関 is a formal term used in news, official documents and when discussing public transit infrastructure. The term 交通 refers to general transportation and is also used in formal settings. For talking specifically about different modes of transportation available, the formal phrase 交通手段 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
norimono
Did you know?
- In a spiritual context, 乗り物 is sometimes used in Japanese translations of Buddhist texts to refer to a 'vehicle' or path to enlightenment.
- In a formal report about urban planning, using 乗り物 would sound strangely childish, as if you were talking about 'toys' rather than transport.
- The kanji 交 in 交通機関 literally means 'exchange' or 'intersect', reflecting the idea of paths crossing.
Examples in context
- その町の交通機関は大変よい。The transportation system in that city is quite good.This sentence is useful for describing the quality of a city's transportation system using 交通機関.Tatoeba #207814 by arnab, translation #45068 by CM
- トムは公共交通機関を利用する。Tom uses public transportation.This sentence shows how to use 交通機関 when discussing the use of public transit.Tatoeba #8613812 by small_snow, translation #5651231 by Mar1L
- ここは公共交通機関の便が悪いのよ。This place isn't convenient for public transportation.This sentence demonstrates how to describe the convenience of public transportation using 交通機関.Tatoeba #9841923 by bunbuku, translation #460490 by blay_paul
- 東京の交通は便利です。Transportation in Tokyo is convenient.
- 来日したら、交通手段は何を使いますか？When you come to Japan, what means of transportation will you use?
- 電車以外の交通機関を使ってみたい。I want to try using transportation other than trains.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing how to get to a theme park.
- 蓮 Renどんな乗り物で行く？Donna norimono de iku?What kind of transportation are we taking?
- 陽葵 Himari電車が一番早いと思うよ。Densha ga ichiban hayai to omou yo.I think the train is the fastest.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵の言う通り、電車にしよう。Himari no iu toori, densha ni shiyou.Just as you say, Himari, let's take the train.
- 陽葵 Himari了解。駅まで歩こう。Ryokai. Eki made arukou.Roger that. Let's walk to the station.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “transportation” translations and entries 乗り物, 輸送機関, 交通機関, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
