軽自動車(けいじどうしゃ)

Often shortened to 軽(けい) in conversation. 軽自動車(けいじどうしゃ) 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(けいじどうしゃ)に乗(の)る (to drive a kei car)
• 軽自動車(けいじどうしゃ)の税金(ぜいきん) (kei car tax)
• 軽自動車(けいじどうしゃ)の維持費(いじひ) (kei car running costs)
• 人気(にんき)の軽自動車(けいじどうしゃ) (popular kei car)

Related words

• 普通車(ふつうしゃ): regular-size car
• 自動車(じどうしゃ): automobile (general term)
• 軽(けい)トラック: kei truck (small utility truck in the same category)