1.
light mini-truck, kei truck
A small truck classified as a kei vehicle (light motor vehicle) in Japan. Extremely common in rural areas for farming and small-scale transport.
軽トラで荷物を運ぶ。
To carry cargo in a kei truck.
農家では軽トラが欠かせない。
A kei truck is indispensable for farmers.
中古の軽トラを安く手に入れた。
I got a used kei truck cheaply.
Abbreviation of 軽トラック (kei truck). Kei trucks are small trucks that meet Japan's 軽自動車 specifications: 660cc engine maximum, specific size limits.
FEATURES:
- Very small, open-bed trucks
- Lower taxes and insurance than regular vehicles
- Easy to maneuver in narrow Japanese streets
- Ubiquitous in rural and agricultural areas
USAGE:
Farmers, construction workers, and small businesses rely on 軽トラ for daily work. Also popular with hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts for hauling materials.
RELATED KEI VEHICLE TERMS:
- 軽自動車: kei car (light motor vehicle category)
- 軽バン: kei van
- 軽: prefix indicating kei-class vehicle
CULTURAL NOTE:
The 軽トラ is an iconic part of Japanese rural life and has a dedicated fan culture.