後部(こうぶ)座席(ざせき)

A compound of 後部(こうぶ) (rear part) and 座席(ざせき) (seat). Primarily used for car seating but can also apply to buses and airplanes.

Common collocations

• 後部(こうぶ)座席(ざせき)のシートベルト: back seat seatbelt
• 後部(こうぶ)座席(ざせき)に乗(の)る: to ride in the back seat
• 後部(こうぶ)座席(ざせき)の乗客(じょうきゃく): back seat passenger

Similar words

• 後(うし)ろの席(せき): the seat in the back — more casual and everyday expression
• 助手席(じょしゅせき): front passenger seat — the seat next to the driver
• 運転席(うんてんせき): driver's seat

Cultural note

In Japan, wearing seatbelts in the 後部(こうぶ)座席(ざせき) became mandatory on all roads in 2008. In taxis, VIP passengers typically sit in the 後部(こうぶ)座席(ざせき), with the seat directly behind the driver considered the most prestigious position.