1.
kei car; light motor vehicle; minicar
A category of small, low-powered vehicles unique to Japan, defined by strict regulations on engine size (660cc max), dimensions, and power output. They receive tax and insurance benefits and use yellow license plates.
軽自動車は税金が安い。
Kei cars have low taxes.
狭い道が多いので、軽自動車が便利だ。
Since there are many narrow roads, a kei car is convenient.
地方では一家に二台の軽自動車を持つ家庭も珍しくない。
In rural areas, it's not uncommon for a household to have two kei cars.
Often shortened to 軽 in conversation. 軽自動車 are identified by their yellow license plates (as opposed to the white plates on regular vehicles).
Kei cars are extremely popular in Japan, accounting for roughly one-third of all passenger vehicles. They are especially common in rural areas where narrow roads and limited parking make full-size cars impractical. Major manufacturers include {ダイハツ}: Daihatsu, {スズキ}: Suzuki, and {ホンダ}: Honda.
The category was created in 1949 to provide affordable transportation in postwar Japan. Regulations limit engine displacement to 660cc, length to 3.4m, width to 1.48m, and height to 2.0m.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 軽自動車に乗る (to drive a kei car)
- 軽自動車の税金 (kei car tax)
- 軽自動車の維持費 (kei car running costs)
- 人気の軽自動車 (popular kei car)
RELATED WORDS:
- 普通車: regular-size car
- 自動車: automobile (general term)
- 軽トラック: kei truck (small utility truck in the same category)