本 線(ほんせん)

ほんせん

noun

main line (railway, road, etc.)

1. main line (railway, road, etc.)

The primary trunk route of a railway or highway, as distinguished from branch lines or side roads. Many Japanese railway lines include this word in their official names.

本線(ほんせん)に乗(の)り換(か)える。

To transfer to the main line.

この電車(でんしゃ)は東海道(とうかいどう)本線(ほんせん)を走(はし)る。

This train runs on the Tokaido Main Line.

高速(こうそく)道路(どうろ)の本線(ほんせん)に合流(ごうりゅう)するときは速度(そくど)に注意(ちゅうい)してください。

Please watch your speed when merging onto the main highway.

Primarily used in railway terminology to distinguish the main trunk line from branch lines (支線(しせん)). Many Japanese railway lines include 本線(ほんせん) in their official names (e.g., 東海道(とうかいどう)本線(ほんせん), 中央(ちゅうおう)本線(ほんせん)). Also used for the main lanes of expressways.

Common collocations

東海道(とうかいどう)本線(ほんせん): Tokaido Main Line
中央(ちゅうおう)本線(ほんせん): Chuo Main Line
本線(ほんせん)に合流(ごうりゅう)する: to merge onto the main line/road
本線(ほんせん)上(じょう): on the main line

Similar words

支線(しせん): branch line — a line branching off from the main line
路線(ろせん): route, line — a more general term for a train or bus route

Related Words

Homophone: 本選(ほんせん)

Compare: 支線(しせん) (branch line)

Compare: 路線(ろせん) (route, line)

general

Added 2026.4.6 23:24 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31

22000/22486_honsen