支線(しせん)

Compound of 支(し) ('branch; offshoot') and 線(せん) ('line; route'). The standard term for a secondary railway or cable line that branches off from the main (本線(ほんせん)).

Usage

• In railway terminology, 支線(しせん) contrasts with 本線(ほんせん) ('main line'). Branch lines typically serve smaller communities and run less frequently.
• Also used for telecommunications and electrical wiring: a 支線(しせん) branches from the main cable to serve individual buildings or areas.
• Many rural 支線(しせん) in Japan face closure due to population decline and low ridership — a recurring topic in regional news.

Common collocations

• 支線(しせん)に乗(の)り換(か)える: to transfer to a branch line
• 支線(しせん)の廃止(はいし): discontinuation of a branch line
• 本線(ほんせん)と支線(しせん): main line and branch line

Similar words

• 本線(ほんせん): main line; trunk line — the primary route from which branch lines diverge
• 路線(ろせん): route; line — the general term for a railway, bus, or airline route
• 単線(たんせん): single-track line — a railway with only one track, common on branch lines
• 私鉄(してつ): private railway — a non-JR railway company, many of which operate branch lines