(じゆうせき)

じゆうせき
noun
unreserved seat
1. unreserved seat; non-reserved seat
A seat that is available on a first-come, first-served basis without prior reservation.
自由席(じゆうせき)(はや)(もの)()ちだ。
Unreserved seats are first-come, first-served.
自由席(じゆうせき)なら予約(よやく)なしで()れる。
With unreserved seats, you can ride without a reservation.
自由席(じゆうせき)車両(しゃりょう)()んでいた。
The unreserved seat car was crowded.

FORMATION:
自由(じゆう) (free/unrestricted) + (せき) (seat)

CONTRAST:

  • 自由席(じゆうせき) - unreserved seat (cheaper, no guarantee of seat)
  • 指定席(していせき) - reserved seat (guaranteed seat for extra fee)

COLLOCATIONS:

  • 自由席(じゆうせき)(すわ)る - to sit in an unreserved seat
  • 自由席(じゆうせき)車両(しゃりょう) - unreserved seat car
  • 自由席(じゆうせき)(けん) - unreserved seat ticket

TRAIN CONTEXT:
On the Shinkansen, unreserved cars (自由席(じゆうせき)車両(しゃりょう)) are typically at the ends of the train. During busy times, passengers may have to stand.

COST:
自由席(じゆうせき) is cheaper than 指定席(していせき) because no 指定席(していせき)料金(りょうきん) (reserved seat fee) is charged.