(とっきゅう)

とっきゅう
noun
limited express
1. limited express train, super express
A fast train that stops at fewer stations than regular express trains.
特急(とっきゅう)(はや)
The limited express is fast.
I'll go to Osaka by limited express.
I bought a limited express ticket at the counter.
If you take the limited express, you'll arrive one hour earlier than the regular train.
If you go from Tokyo to Nagoya by limited express, there's a surcharge, but the travel time is much shorter.

特急(とっきゅう) is short for 特別(とくべつ)急行(きゅうこう) (special express), a fast train making limited stops.

TRAIN SPEED HIERARCHY (slowest to fastest):
1. 各駅停車(かくえきていしゃ)/普通(ふつう): local (all stops)
2. 快速(かいそく): rapid
3. 急行(きゅうこう): express
4. 特急(とっきゅう): limited express
5. 新幹線(しんかんせん): bullet train

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 特急(とっきゅう)()る: to take the limited express
  • 特急(とっきゅう)料金(りょうきん): limited express surcharge
  • 特急(とっきゅう)(けん): limited express ticket

NOTE:
特急(とっきゅう) usually requires an additional surcharge (特急(とっきゅう)料金(りょうきん)) on top of the base fare.