交通
こうつう·koutsu
Meaning
traffic; transportation; transit; communication (archaic)
Nuance & Usage
交通 refers to traffic or transportation in general. Common compounds: 交通機関 (koutsu kikan — means of transportation), 交通費 (koutsu-hi — transportation costs/expenses), 交通事故 (koutsu jiko — traffic accident), 公共交通 (koukyou koutsu — public transportation), 交通ルール (traffic rules), 交通渋滞 (traffic congestion). 交通の便がいい/悪い (good/poor transportation access) is a key phrase when describing locations for real estate or business.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 交通 (koutsu — traffic/transportation system) with 渋滞 (juutai — specific traffic jam) or 輸送 (yusou — freight/cargo transport). 交通費 (transportation expenses) is one of the most practically important compounds — it's reimbursed in most Japanese workplaces. Also: 交通機関が発達している (transportation is well-developed) is a common phrase used to describe Japanese cities' excellent transit networks.
Example Sentences (3)
この地区は公共交通機関が発達していて、とても住みやすいです。
このちくはこうきょうこうつうきかんがはったつしていて、とてもすみやすいです。
This area has well-developed public transportation, making it very livable.
交通事故に遭ったときは、すぐに警察に連絡してください。
こうつうじこにあったときは、すぐにけいさつにれんらくしてください。
If you are in a traffic accident, please contact the police immediately.
出張の交通費は会社が負担してくれます。
しゅっちょうのこうつうひはかいしゃがふたんしてくれます。
The company will cover the transportation expenses for business trips.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
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