準急(じゅんきゅう)

じゅんきゅう
noun
semi-express; local express
transportation
1. semi-express train; local express
A type of train service that is faster than a local train but slower than an express. It skips some stops but not as many as a full express.
準急(じゅんきゅう)に乗(の)って行(い)く。
To go by semi-express.
この駅(えき)には準急(じゅんきゅう)は止(と)まりますか。
Does the semi-express stop at this station?
The semi-express arrives about ten minutes faster than the local train.

A train service level between local (各駅停車(かくえきていしゃ)) and express (急行(きゅうこう)). Composed of 準(じゅん) (semi-/quasi-) + 急(きゅう) (express), short for 準急行(じゅんきゅうこう).

RELATED WORDS (slowest to fastest):

Common collocations

  • 準急(じゅんきゅう)電車(でんしゃ): semi-express train
  • 準急(じゅんきゅう)に乗(の)る: to ride the semi-express
  • 準急(じゅんきゅう)停車駅(ていしゃえき): semi-express stopping stations

Usage

Not all rail lines in Japan use the 準急(じゅんきゅう) designation. Some private railway companies use it while others do not. Unlike 特急(とっきゅう), a 準急(じゅんきゅう) does not usually require an additional surcharge beyond the base fare.