1.
automatic ticket gate, ticket barrier
An electronic gate at train stations that reads tickets or IC cards to allow passengers through. A ubiquitous feature of Japanese public transportation.
自動改札機にカードをかざす。
To tap a card on the automatic ticket gate.
切符を自動改札機に通してください。
Please insert your ticket into the automatic ticket gate.
ICカードの残高が足りなくて、自動改札機で止められた。
I was stopped at the ticket gate because my IC card didn't have enough balance.
自動改札機 is composed of 自動 (automatic) + 改札 (ticket inspection) + 機 (machine).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 自動改札機を通る: to pass through the ticket gate
- 自動改札機にカードをタッチする: to touch a card to the gate
USAGE: In casual conversation, often shortened to 改札. Japanese ticket gates accept both paper tickets (inserted into a slot) and IC cards like Suica and PASMO (tapped on a sensor).