1.
starting station; terminal station where a train line originates
The first station on a train line or the station where a particular train service begins its run. Passengers boarding here are guaranteed a seat.
ここは始発駅だから座れる。
Since this is the starting station, we can get seats.
始発駅から乗れば通勤ラッシュでも座席が確保できる。
If you board from the starting station, you can secure a seat even during rush hour.
この路線の始発駅は東京駅で、終点は熱海駅です。
The starting station of this line is Tokyo Station, and the last stop is Atami Station.
Composed of 始発 (first departure; originating) and 駅 (station). The term refers specifically to the station where a train begins its run, not to a random stop along the way.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 始発駅から乗る — to board from the starting station
- 始発駅で並ぶ — to line up at the starting station
- 路線の始発駅 — the starting station of a line
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 始発 — first train/bus of the day (also used as a modifier meaning "originating")
- 終着駅 / 終点 — terminal station; last stop
- 起点 — starting point (more abstract; not limited to trains)
CULTURAL NOTE:
In Tokyo and other major cities, living near a 始発駅 is valued by commuters because it guarantees a seat on the train. Some people choose apartments near starting stations specifically for this advantage.