1.
freight train; goods train
A train designed for transporting cargo rather than passengers. Composed of 貨物 (freight, cargo) and 列車 (train).
貨物列車が通過した。
A freight train passed through.
長い貨物列車が踏切を塞いでいた。
A long freight train was blocking the railroad crossing.
深夜になると貨物列車が工場から港へ荷物を運ぶ。
Late at night, freight trains carry goods from factories to the port.
USAGE:
貨物列車 is a straightforward compound noun. In everyday speech, it is sometimes shortened to 貨物 when the context makes it clear that a train is being discussed.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 貨物列車が走る (a freight train runs)
- 貨物列車の通過 (passage of a freight train)
- 貨物列車のダイヤ (freight train schedule)
SIMILAR WORDS:
旅客列車 is the counterpart, meaning passenger train. 貨車 refers to an individual freight car/wagon rather than the whole train.