ICカード
あいしーかーど
noun
IC card; rechargeable transit card
1.
IC card; rechargeable smart card
A rechargeable contactless smart card used primarily for public transportation and electronic payments. Major brands include Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA.
ICカードで電車に乗る。
To ride the train using an IC card.
ICカードに千円チャージした。
I charged 1,000 yen onto my IC card.
ICカードは電車だけでなく、コンビニの買い物にも使える。
IC cards can be used not only for trains but also for shopping at convenience stores.
改札でICカードをタッチする。
To tap the IC card at the ticket gate.
An indispensable tool for daily life in Japan. IC cards are rechargeable contactless smart cards embedded with an IC chip. They are used to pay for train and bus fares by tapping on a reader at station gates, and are also widely accepted for small purchases at convenience stores, vending machines, and shops.
MAJOR IC CARD BRANDS:
- Suica (スイカ): JR East (Tokyo area)
- Pasmo (パスモ): private railways and buses in the Tokyo area
- ICOCA (イコカ): JR West (Osaka/Kansai area)
- Kitaca, TOICA, manaca, SUGOCA, nimoca, はやかけん: other regional cards
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ICカードをチャージする: to recharge/top up an IC card
- ICカードをタッチする: to tap an IC card
- ICカードの残高: IC card balance
- ICカードで支払う: to pay with an IC card
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 交通系ICカード: transit IC card — the more specific term emphasizing its transportation use
- 定期券: commuter pass — a separate concept, though IC cards can also function as commuter passes