When you're traveling in Japan, you'll often hear the term 高速道路 (kousokudouro). This word refers to an expressway or highway. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of a freeway or motorway in English-speaking countries.
These roads are designed for faster travel between cities and regions. You'll typically pay a toll to use them, and they have designated entry and exit points. Understanding this term is practical for navigating Japan by car.
§ Understanding 高速道路 in Context
You've learned that 高速道路 (こうそくどうろ, kousokudouro) means "expressway" or "highway." Now, let's look at how this word is actually used in everyday Japanese conversations, whether you're at work, school, or just watching the news. This isn't academic stuff; it's about practical usage.
- DEFINITION
- An expressway or highway designed for high-speed travel.
§ At Work: Commuting and Business Trips
In a work setting, 高速道路 comes up frequently when discussing travel, logistics, or even office locations. If your company has a lot of field visits or transports goods, you'll hear this word daily.
- Commuting: Many people in Japan commute long distances.
毎朝、高速道路を使って通勤しています。
(I use the expressway for my commute every morning.)
- Business Trips/Travel: When planning routes or discussing travel times, especially by car.
大阪までの出張は、高速道路が便利です。
(For a business trip to Osaka, the expressway is convenient.)
§ At School: Field Trips and Discussions
Even in a school environment, especially in high school or college, 高速道路 can pop up. Think about discussions on geography, environmental issues, or even planning school events.
- Field Trips: If a school trip involves traveling a long distance by bus.
来週の遠足は、バスで高速道路を使います。
(For next week's field trip, we'll use the expressway by bus.)
- Geography/Social Studies: When discussing infrastructure, transportation networks, or regional development.
日本の経済発展には、高速道路の整備が不可欠でした。
(The development of expressways was essential for Japan's economic growth.)
§ In the News: Traffic and Infrastructure
The news is a goldmine for practical vocabulary. You'll hear 高速道路 frequently in traffic reports, disaster updates, or articles about new infrastructure projects.
- Traffic Reports: Especially during holidays or peak travel seasons.
現在、東名高速道路は渋滞しています。
(Currently, the Tomei Expressway is congested.)
- Disaster Information: Roads might be closed due to earthquakes, typhoons, or heavy snow.
大雪のため、一部の高速道路が閉鎖されました。
(Due to heavy snow, some expressways have been closed.)
- Infrastructure Development: News about new routes, tunnels, or maintenance work.
新しい高速道路の開通により、移動時間が短縮されます。
(The opening of the new expressway will shorten travel times.)
Dato curioso
The term '高速' (kōsoku) is often seen in various contexts indicating 'high-speed', such as 高速鉄道 (kōsoku tetsudō, 'high-speed railway').
Nivel de dificultad
Four common kanji, but the reading is straightforward.
Writing four kanji correctly can be a bit challenging.
Pronunciation is clear once learned.
Common enough in conversation, not too fast.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Ejemplos por nivel
高速道路に乗る前に、ガソリンを満タンにしてくださいね。
Before getting on the highway, please fill up the gas tank.
週末は高速道路が混みますから、早めに出発しましょう。
The highway gets crowded on weekends, so let's depart early.
この高速道路は景色が綺麗で、ドライブに最適です。
This highway has beautiful scenery and is perfect for a drive.
高速道路のサービスエリアで休憩しましょうか？
Shall we take a break at the highway service area?
東京から大阪まで高速道路を使うと、約6時間かかります。
It takes about 6 hours to get from Tokyo to Osaka using the expressway.
高速道路の料金は、距離によって変わります。
Highway tolls vary depending on the distance.
渋滞を避けるために、高速道路を使わない道を選びました。
To avoid traffic jams, I chose a road that doesn't use the highway.
高速道路を走ると、時間を節約できます。
Driving on the expressway can save time.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
高速道路は混んでいますか？
Is the expressway crowded?
この高速道路はどこまで行きますか？
Where does this expressway go?
高速道路に乗る前にガソリンを入れましょう。
Let's put gas before getting on the expressway.
高速道路の運転は疲れます。
Driving on the expressway is tiring.
高速道路で事故がありました。
There was an accident on the expressway.
次のサービスエリアは高速道路のどこですか？
Where is the next service area on the expressway?
高速道路を使えばもっと速く着きます。
If you use the expressway, you'll arrive faster.
この高速道路は無料ですか？
Is this expressway free?
高速道路の最高速度は何キロですか？
What's the speed limit on the expressway?
高速道路の出口を見逃しました。
I missed the expressway exit.
Modismos y expresiones
"高速道路に乗る (kousokudouro ni noru)"
To get on the expressway/highway.
次のインターチェンジで高速道路に乗ります。
neutral"高速道路を降りる (kousokudouro o oriru)"
To get off the expressway/highway.
サービスエリアの次で高速道路を降ります。
neutral"高速道路が混む (kousokudouro ga komu)"
The expressway/highway gets congested.
ゴールデンウィークは高速道路がとても混みます。
neutral"高速道路が空く (kousokudouro ga suku)"
The expressway/highway clears up.
深夜になると高速道路が空きます。
neutral"高速道路の料金 (kousokudouro no ryōkin)"
Expressway/highway toll.
高速道路の料金はいくらですか？
neutral"高速道路のサービスエリア (kousokudouro no sābisu eria)"
Expressway/highway service area.
サービスエリアで休憩しましょう。
neutral"高速道路のパーキングエリア (kousokudouro no pākingueria)"
Expressway/highway parking area.
次のパーキングエリアでトイレに行きます。
neutral"高速道路の制限速度 (kousokudouro no seigen sokudo)"
Expressway/highway speed limit.
この高速道路の制限速度は100kmです。
neutral"高速道路の渋滞 (kousokudouro no jūtai)"
Expressway/highway traffic jam.
事故で高速道路が渋滞しています。
neutral"高速道路を走る (kousokudouro o hashiru)"
To drive on the expressway/highway.
私たちは高速道路を2時間走りました。
neutralCómo usarlo
When talking about roads with high-speed limits, like those you'd find between cities, 高速道路 (kousokudouro) is the word you'll use. It literally means 'high-speed road'. Think of it as the equivalent of an 'expressway' or 'highway' in English. You might also hear 高速 (kousoku) by itself in casual conversation, especially when referring to the concept of high speed or a high-speed train, but when specifically referring to the road, adding 道路 (douro) makes it clear. For example, if you're asking for directions, you'd want to specify 高速道路.
A common mistake is confusing 高速道路 (kousokudouro) with a regular road like 道 (michi) or 道路 (douro). While a 高速道路 is a type of 道路, not all 道路 are 高速道路. It's like saying 'road' when you specifically mean 'highway'. Another mistake is using it for smaller, local roads that might have higher speed limits than typical city streets but aren't actual expressways. Remember, 高速道路 implies a major, controlled-access highway system.
Origen de la palabra
From 高速 (kōsoku, 'high-speed') + 道路 (dōro, 'road').
Significado original: high-speed road
Sino-JapaneseContexto cultural
The Japanese expressway system is known for its efficiency and is a crucial part of the country's infrastructure, connecting major cities. While convenient, some expressways, especially in urban areas, are known for their tolls, which can be quite expensive compared to other countries. Many expressways offer beautiful scenic routes, particularly when traveling between prefectures.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntas高速道路 (kousokudouro) specifically refers to an expressway or highway, designed for faster travel with limited access. A 'regular road' would be a more general term like 道 (michi) or 道路 (douro). Think of it like the difference between a freeway and a local street.
You'd use 高速道路 (kousokudouro) when you want to travel longer distances more quickly, similar to how you'd use a highway in English. For example, if you're going from Tokyo to Osaka by car, you'd be on the 高速道路 for most of the trip.
Yes, generally, most 高速道路 (kousokudouro) in Japan are toll roads. You'll often see signs for 'ETC' (Electronic Toll Collection) which allows for automatic payment.
Speed limits on 高速道路 (kousokudouro) usually range from 80 km/h to 100 km/h, though there can be variations depending on the section. Always pay attention to the posted signs.
While you can use 高速道路 (kousokudouro) for short trips, it's usually not cost-effective due to tolls and often not the fastest option if your destination is nearby. It's best for medium to long distances.
You could say 高速道路に乗ります (Kousokudouro ni norimasu), which literally means 'I will get on the expressway.' Or, for a more casual way, you could say 高速を使います (Kousoku o tsukaimasu), meaning 'I'll use the expressway.'
Yes, absolutely! 高速道路 (kousokudouro) in Japan are known for their excellent rest stops, called サービスエリア (saabisu eria) or パーキングエリア (paakingu eria). They often have shops, restaurants, and clean restrooms.
Yes, 'superhighway' is a pretty good equivalent for 高速道路 (kousokudouro). They both refer to multi-lane roads designed for high-speed, long-distance travel.
The kanji are: 高 (kou - high), 速 (soku - speed), 道 (dou - road/path), 路 (ro - road/path). Together, it literally means 'high-speed road'.
Driving on 高速道路 (kousokudouro) means higher speeds, fewer intersections, and often multiple lanes. On regular roads, you'll encounter more traffic lights, pedestrians, and slower speeds. It's a much more continuous drive on the expressway.
Ponte a prueba 24 preguntas
Write a short sentence about where cars drive fast in Japan, using simple Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
車は高速道路で速いです。
Imagine you are planning a trip. Write a short phrase about using the highway to get to a city quickly.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
高速道路で早く行きます。
Write a simple sentence describing what a highway is.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
高速道路は長い道です。
私たちはどこで速く走っていますか？
Read this passage:
私たちは高速道路を走っています。とても速いです。東京に行きます。
私たちはどこで速く走っていますか？
The passage states '高速道路を走っています' (We are driving on the highway), indicating that's where they are driving fast.
The passage states '高速道路を走っています' (We are driving on the highway), indicating that's where they are driving fast.
この道はどこまで行きますか？
Read this passage:
この道は高速道路です。車がたくさんあります。京都まで行きます。
この道はどこまで行きますか？
The passage says '京都まで行きます' (It goes to Kyoto).
The passage says '京都まで行きます' (It goes to Kyoto).
高速道路について正しいことは何ですか？
Read this passage:
高速道路は速く行ける道です。でも、お金がかかります。
高速道路について正しいことは何ですか？
The passage says '速く行ける道です' (It's a road where you can go fast) and 'お金がかかります' (It costs money), meaning it's fast but has a fee.
The passage says '速く行ける道です' (It's a road where you can go fast) and 'お金がかかります' (It costs money), meaning it's fast but has a fee.
This sentence means 'I drive on the expressway.' The particles indicate the role of each word.
This sentence means 'This expressway is very wide.' 'この' modifies '高速道路'.
This sentence means 'I will use the expressway from Tokyo to Osaka.' 'から' and 'まで' indicate origin and destination.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 日本の___はよく整備されている。
The sentence means 'Japanese ___ are well maintained.' '高速道路' (expressways) fits best as they are typically well-maintained. The other options refer to narrow paths, gravel roads, and mountain roads, which are not typically known for being 'well maintained' in the same context.
Which of the following would you most likely take for a long-distance trip between major cities in Japan?
For long-distance travel between major cities, expressways (高速道路) are the most common and efficient option. The other options refer to alleys, farm roads, and promenades, which are not suitable for this purpose.
Select the sentence where '高速道路' is used correctly.
The correct sentence means 'It is dangerous to ride a bicycle on an expressway.' Expressways are for cars, not walking or cycling, and playing on them is also incorrect. While some expressways have tolls, the primary danger of cycling on one is the key point.
高速道路は、一般的に速度制限が低い道路です。
False. 高速道路 (expressways) are designed for high-speed travel, so their speed limits are generally higher than regular roads.
日本で遠くまで早く移動したい場合、高速道路を使うのが効率的です。
True. If you want to travel far and quickly in Japan, using expressways (高速道路) is efficient because they are designed for high-speed, direct travel.
高速道路では、歩行者や自転車も通行できます。
False. 高速道路 (expressways) are exclusively for motor vehicles. Pedestrians and bicycles are prohibited for safety reasons.
渋滞のため、到着が遅れる可能性があるので、___を避けて一般道で行くことにしました。
文脈から、渋滞を避けるために選ぶのは「高速道路」ではない道であることがわかります。選択肢の中で「高速道路」が最も適切です。
この___は、都市間を結ぶ重要な動脈であり、物流の基盤となっています。
「都市間を結ぶ重要な動脈」という記述から、高速で移動できる「高速道路」が正しい選択です。
大雨の影響で一部区間の___が閉鎖され、迂回を余儀なくされました。
「一部区間が閉鎖され、迂回を余儀なくされた」という状況は、通常「高速道路」で発生します。
週末の旅行では、時間短縮のために___を利用するのが一般的です。
「時間短縮のため」に利用する道として最も適切なのは「高速道路」です。
急ぎの荷物を運ぶため、彼らは迷わず___を選びました。
「急ぎの荷物」を運ぶ際に最適なのは、速く移動できる「高速道路」です。
交通量が少ない早朝に___を使うと、目的地までスムーズに到着できます。
「交通量が少ない早朝」に「スムーズに到着できる」のは「高速道路」を利用した場合です。
/ 24 correct
Perfect score!
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Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Gramática relacionada
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宿泊
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