1.
limited express train; special express train
A high-speed train service that stops at only a few major stations, offering faster travel than regular express trains. A surcharge is usually required in addition to the base fare.
特急列車で大阪に向かう。
To head to Osaka by limited express train.
特急列車に乗るには特急券が必要だ。
You need a limited express ticket to ride the limited express train.
各駅停車だと三時間かかるが、特急列車なら一時間半で着く。
It takes three hours by local train, but you can get there in an hour and a half by limited express.
A compound of 特急 (limited express; abbreviation of 特別急行) and 列車 (train). In the Japanese railway hierarchy, 特急 is faster than 急行 (express) and 快速 (rapid), stopping at fewer stations. Most private railways and JR lines operate 特急 services with reserved seating and a supplemental fare (特急料金).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 特急列車に乗る: to ride a limited express
- 特急列車の指定席: reserved seat on a limited express
- 特急列車の時刻表: limited express timetable
- 特急列車が遅れる: the limited express is delayed
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 急行列車: express train — stops at more stations than a limited express; slower
- 新幹線: bullet train — the fastest category, running on dedicated high-speed tracks
- 快速: rapid train — faster than local but slower than express; usually no surcharge