1.
area code; long-distance dialing code
The prefix digits in a telephone number that identify a geographic area or city. In Japan, area codes vary in length (e.g., 03 for Tokyo, 06 for Osaka, 075 for Kyoto).
Literally 'outside-the-city exchange number.' Japanese area codes start with 0 and vary in length from 2 to 5 digits. Major cities have shorter codes (e.g., 03 for 東京, 06 for 大阪), while rural areas have longer ones.
Common collocations
- 市外局番なし: without area code (local call)
- 市外局番から掛ける: to dial with the area code
- 市外局番を付ける: to add the area code