準急(じゅんきゅう)

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).

TRAIN SPEED HIERARCHY (slowest to fastest):

• 各駅停車(かくえきていしゃ)/普通(ふつう): local (stops at every station)
• 準急(じゅんきゅう): semi-express
• 急行(きゅうこう): express
• 快速急行(かいそくきゅうこう): rapid express
• 特急(とっきゅう): limited express

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.