くうこう in 30 Seconds
- Kūkō means airport, a place for planes.
- Used for travel and transportation.
- Key word for navigating air travel.
- Airport: a hub for flights.
- Meaning
- The Japanese word "くうこう" (kūkō) directly translates to "airport" in English. It refers to the complex of runways, terminals, and other facilities where aircraft take off and land, and where passengers and cargo are processed. This is a fundamental word for anyone traveling to or from Japan, or discussing international travel.
- Usage
- You will hear and use "くうこう" in various everyday situations related to air travel. This includes planning trips, booking flights, asking for directions to the airport, talking about arrivals and departures, and discussing airport services. It's a neutral term, suitable for both casual conversations and more formal contexts like travel agencies or official announcements.
- Etymology
- The word "くうこう" is a compound word formed from two kanji: "空" (kū), meaning "sky" or "air," and "港" (kō), meaning "port" or "harbor." This aptly describes an airport as a "port in the sky" for aircraft. This etymological connection helps in understanding and remembering the word.
This is my first time flying from Narita くうこう.
Haneda くうこう is very convenient.
What time does the flight arrive at the くうこう?
- Basic Sentence Structure
- The most common way to use "くうこう" is as the subject or object of a sentence, often with particles like "は (wa)" (topic marker) or "に (ni)" (destination/location marker). For example, "I am going to the airport" becomes "私 (watashi) は くうこう に 行きます (ikimasu)." This structure is fundamental for expressing movement towards or actions related to the airport.
- Actions at the Airport
- You can describe various actions that happen at or involve the airport. For instance, "The plane departs from the airport" can be expressed as "飛行機 (hikōki) は くうこう から 出発します (shuppatsu shimasu)." Conversely, "I will meet someone at the airport" would be "くうこう で 会います (aimasu)." These sentences demonstrate how to connect the airport with verbs of action.
- Describing the Airport
- You can also use adjectives to describe the airport, although it's less common as a standalone description. More often, you'll see phrases like "a big airport" (大 (ō) きな (kina) くうこう) or "a new airport" (新 (atarashii) くうこう). These descriptive phrases can be used as modifiers or as part of a larger sentence, providing more detail about the airport in question.
- Questions About the Airport
- Asking questions about the airport is a common use case. For example, "Where is the airport?" is "くうこう は どこ (doko) ですか (desu ka)?" You might also ask, "How do I get to the airport?" which is "くうこう へ どうやって 行きますか (dōyatte ikimasu ka)?" These questions are vital for navigation and planning.
明日、友達 (tomodachi) が くうこう に 来ます (kimasu)。
くうこう から 市内 (shinai) まで バス (basu) が ありますか (arimasu ka)？
くうこう の 地図 (chizu) を ください (kudasai)。
- Travel Announcements
- The word "くうこう" is ubiquitous in airport announcements. You'll hear it in phrases like "くうこう 内 (nai) の (no) 移動 (idō) は (wa) シャトルバス (shatorubasu) を (o) ご利用ください (goriyō kudasai)." (Please use the shuttle bus for transportation within the airport.) or "くうこう 到着 (tōchaku) 便 (bin) 情報 (jōhō)." (Airport arrival flight information.) These announcements are crucial for navigating the airport.
- Transportation Services
- When discussing transportation to or from the airport, "くうこう" is central. Taxi drivers, train station staff, and bus conductors will use it. For example, a taxi driver might ask, "くうこう まで (made) で (de) よろしいでしょうか (yoroshii deshō ka)?" (To the airport, is that alright?) or signs will indicate "くうこう 行き (yuki)" (bound for the airport).
- Travel Agencies and Booking Sites
- Travel agents and online booking platforms frequently use this term when discussing flight options, airport transfers, and travel itineraries. You'll see it in phrases like "くうこう 送迎 (sōgei) サービス (sābisu)" (airport transfer service) or "くうこう 周辺 (shūhen) ホテル (hoteru)" (hotels near the airport).
- Conversations with Locals
- When asking for directions, discussing travel plans, or sharing experiences, locals will use "くうこう". For instance, someone might ask, "くうこう まで いくら (ikura) かかりますか (kakarimasu ka)?" (How much does it cost to get to the airport?) or say, "くうこう で 待っています (matte imasu)." (I am waiting at the airport.)
次の電車 (densha) は くうこう 行き (yuki) です (desu)。
くうこう まで タクシー (takushī) で 行きます (ikimasu)。
くうこう で 友達 (tomodachi) を 迎えます (mugaemasu)。
- Confusing Particles
- A common mistake for learners is using the wrong particle with "くうこう". For example, saying "くうこう で 行きます (ikimasu)" implies you are performing the action of going *at* the airport, rather than going *to* the airport. The correct particle for destination is "に (ni)", so it should be "くうこう に 行きます." Similarly, using "に" for the location of an action (e.g., "くうこう に行います (okōnaimasu)" - perform at the airport) is incorrect; "で (de)" is used for the location of an action.
- Over-reliance on English Word Order
- Another pitfall is trying to translate English sentence structures directly. For instance, in English, we might say "Airport information is here." A direct translation might lead to "くうこう 情報 (jōhō) は ここ (koko) です (desu)." While grammatically correct, it might sound a bit stiff. More natural phrasing might be "くうこう の 情報 は こちら (kochira) です." (Airport information is this way/here.) The placement of the noun and the choice of demonstrative pronoun can significantly affect naturalness.
- Pronunciation Nuances
- While "くうこう" is relatively straightforward, learners sometimes struggle with the long vowel sound in "くう (kū)" and the distinct pronunciation of "こう (kō)". Pronouncing it as two separate short syllables (ku-ko) instead of the correct long vowels (kū-kō) can lead to misunderstandings. It's important to practice the sustained vowel sounds to ensure clear pronunciation.
- Using "Port" Literally
- Given that "港 (kō)" means "port" or "harbor," some learners might mistakenly try to use "くうこう" in contexts related to sea ports. While the etymology is interesting, "くうこう" exclusively refers to airports. For sea ports, you would use "港 (minato)" or "港 (kō)" depending on the context and specific name.
Incorrect: 私 たち くうこう で 会いました (aimashita)。
Correct: 私 たち くうこう に 着きました (tsukimashita)。
- 空港 (kūkō) vs. 港 (minato/kō)
- The primary distinction is between air and sea. "くうこう" (kūkō) is specifically for airports. "港 (minato)" refers to a general harbor or port, often used for ships and boats. "港 (kō)" as a suffix, like in "Yokohama-港 (kō)", also refers to a port. You would never use "くうこう" to refer to a seaport.
- 空港 (kūkō) vs. 飛行場 (hikōjō)
- "飛行場 (hikōjō)" translates to "airfield" or "aerodrome." While an airport is a type of airfield, "飛行場" can refer to a simpler facility, like a small airstrip or a military base, that may not have the extensive passenger and cargo facilities of a commercial airport. "くうこう" implies a more complex hub for commercial air travel.
- 空港 (kūkō) vs. 駅 (eki)
- This is a fundamental distinction in transportation. "くうこう" is an airport for planes, while "駅 (eki)" is a train station for trains. You would never use "くうこう" when talking about catching a train, nor "駅" when talking about boarding a plane.
- 空港 (kūkō) vs. バス停 (basutei)
- Similar to the train station, "くうこう" is an airport, whereas "バス停 (basutei)" is a bus stop. While there might be bus stops *at* an airport for local transport, the airport itself is not a bus stop.
くうこう と 港 (minato) は 違います (chigaimasu)。
駅 (eki) で 電車 (densha) に 乗ります (norimasu)。
くうこう で 飛行機 (hikōki) に 乗ります (norimasu)。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji for 'port' ("港") is also used for actual seaports, creating an interesting parallel between 'sky ports' and 'sea ports'. This dual usage highlights the concept of a 'port' as a place of arrival and departure for a specific mode of transport.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'kū' as a short 'ku' sound.
- Pronouncing 'kō' as a short 'ko' sound.
- Incorrect stress placement.
- Adding extra syllables.
- Muddling with similar-sounding words.
Difficulty Rating
The word itself is straightforward, but understanding it in written context requires recognizing the kanji or hiragana, and interpreting its usage within sentences, which can range from simple to complex depending on the context.
Writing the word correctly (kanji or hiragana) and using it with appropriate particles in sentences is essential for accurate written communication.
Pronunciation requires attention to vowel length, but it's a common word and generally easy to say once learned.
The word is frequently used in spoken Japanese, especially in travel-related contexts, making it relatively easy to recognize when heard.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Particles for destination (に) vs. location of action (で) vs. origin (から)
くうこう に 行きます。 (Go to the airport.) くうこう で 会います。 (Meet at the airport.) くうこう から 出発します。 (Depart from the airport.)
Possessive particle (の) with locations
くうこう の 地図 (map)。 くうこう の 案内所 (information desk)。
Directional particle (へ)
くうこう へ 向かいます (mukaimasu)。 (Head towards the airport.)
Compound nouns using くうこう
くうこうバス (airport bus), くうこう税 (airport tax).
Using 行き (yuki) to indicate destination
くうこう 行き の 電車。 (Train bound for the airport.)
Examples by Level
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To the airport, please. This is commonly said to taxi drivers or when requesting a destination.
Taxi driver: "くうこう まで お願いします." (To the airport, please.)
— I want to go to the airport. This is a direct statement of intent for travel.
Tourist: "くうこう へ 行きたい です." (I want to go to the airport.)
— Where is the airport? This is a fundamental question for navigation.
Lost traveler: "くうこう は どこ ですか？" (Where is the airport?)
— I am waiting at the airport. Used when meeting someone or indicating your current location.
Friend: "くうこう で 待っています." (I am waiting at the airport.)
— Is there airport information? Used when looking for maps or service desks.
Traveler: "くうこう の 案内 は ありますか？" (Is there airport information?)
— Please wait outside the airport. This is often said when arranging a meeting point.
Driver: "くうこう の 外 で 待ってください." (Please wait outside the airport.)
— How many more minutes to the airport? Used to estimate travel time.
Passenger: "くうこう まで あと 何分 ですか？" (How many more minutes to the airport?)
— Where is the airport gate? Essential for finding your departure gate.
Traveler: "くうこう の ゲート は どこ ですか？" (Where is the airport gate?)
— How is the weather at the airport? Important for flight considerations.
Pilot: "くうこう の 天気 はどう ですか？" (How is the weather at the airport?)
— The airport is close. Used to indicate proximity.
Driver: "くうこう が 近 いです." (The airport is close.)
Often Confused With
While both involve 'port' concepts, くうこう is specifically for air travel, whereas 港 is for sea travel.
くうこう is for airplanes, and 駅 is for trains. They are distinct transportation hubs.
くうこう usually implies a commercial airport with passenger facilities, while 飛行場 can be a more general term including airfields or military bases.
Idioms & Expressions
— This is a poetic phrase meaning 'a port that soars in the sky', directly referencing the etymology of airport. It's not a common idiom but rather a descriptive phrase.
The word くうこう can be thought of as a 'port that soars in the sky'.
— Literally 'airport monster'. This is not a standard idiom, but it could be used informally to describe the overwhelming, confusing, or sometimes frustrating nature of a large airport, akin to navigating a labyrinth.
Navigating the huge airport felt like facing an 'airport monster' (a confusing place).
— Literally 'gateway to the sky'. This phrase emphasizes the airport's role as the entry and exit point for air travel, a metaphorical 'front door' to the sky.
The airport is often called the 'gateway to the sky' for travelers.
— Airport labyrinth. This idiom is used to describe the confusing and maze-like layout of large airports, making it difficult to find your way around.
Trying to find my gate in the huge airport felt like being lost in an 'airport labyrinth'.
— The hustle and bustle of the airport. This phrase refers to the noisy, busy atmosphere characteristic of airports, with constant movement and announcements.
The 'hustle and bustle of the airport' is a familiar sound for frequent travelers.
— A port from which one embarks on a journey to the sky. This is a more descriptive and poetic phrase emphasizing the airport's role in initiating air travel.
The airport is a 'port from which one embarks on a journey to the sky'.
— A world apart at the airport. This idiom suggests that once inside an airport, you enter a unique environment separate from the outside world, with its own rules and atmosphere.
Once inside the airport, it felt like entering 'a world apart'.
— Lights of the airport. This can refer literally to the lights of the airport at night, or metaphorically to the airport as a beacon of connection and travel.
The 'lights of the airport' at night are a symbol of travel and connection.
— The time at the airport. This can refer to flight schedules, or more broadly, the unique sense of time experienced at an airport, often characterized by waiting and anticipation.
The 'time at the airport' often involves a lot of waiting.
— The heartbeat of the airport. This metaphor describes the constant, energetic activity and life within an airport.
The 'heartbeat of the airport' is the sound of constant movement and announcements.
Easily Confused
Both words contain the kanji <ruby>港</rt> (kō), meaning 'port'.
While <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> (kūkō) specifically refers to an airport (a 'sky port'), <ruby>港</rt> (minato) refers to a seaport or harbor for ships. The context of air travel versus sea travel is the key differentiator.
We are flying to the <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark>. (We are flying to the airport.) vs. The ship departs from the <ruby>港</rt>. (The ship departs from the port.)
Both are major transportation hubs.
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> is for airplanes, while <ruby>駅</rt> is for trains. They serve completely different modes of transport and are not interchangeable.
I need to catch a train at the <ruby>駅</rt>. (I need to catch a train at the station.) vs. My flight departs from the <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark>. (My flight departs from the airport.)
Both relate to aircraft.
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> is generally understood as a commercial airport with passenger terminals and services. <ruby>飛行場</rt> is a more general term for an airfield or aerodrome, which could be a small airstrip, a military base, or a facility without extensive passenger amenities. For typical travel, "<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark>" is the correct term.
The large <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> handles millions of passengers annually. (The large airport handles millions of passengers annually.) vs. A small <ruby>飛行場</rt> is used for pilot training. (A small airfield is used for pilot training.)
This is the kanji spelling of the same word.
The only difference is the writing system. <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> is in hiragana, while <ruby>空港</rt> is in kanji. Both are pronounced the same and mean 'airport'. Kanji is more common in formal writing.
I will write the airport name in kanji: <ruby>東京</rt> <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>空港</mark>. (I will write the airport name in kanji: Tokyo Airport.)
In very casual speech, the English word 'airport' might be used.
While understandable, using the English loanword is generally less formal and less common than using the native Japanese word "<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark>" or its kanji form <ruby>空港</rt>. It's best to stick to the Japanese term for clarity and correctness.
Let's meet at the 'airport' tomorrow. (Casual, using English loanword) vs. <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>で</rt> <ruby>会いましょう</rt>. (Let's meet at the airport.)
Sentence Patterns
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>に</rt> <ruby>行きます</rt>。
<ruby>私</rt> <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>に</rt> <ruby>行きます</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>は</rt> <ruby>どこ</rt> <ruby>ですか</rt>？
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>は</rt> <ruby>どこ</rt> <ruby>ですか</rt>？
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>で</rt> <ruby>会います</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>で</rt> <ruby>友達</rt> <ruby>と</rt> <ruby>会います</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>から</rt> <ruby>来ました</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>から</rt> <ruby>来ました</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>便</rt> <ruby>情報</rt> <ruby>を</rt> <ruby>確認します</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>便</rt> <ruby>情報</rt> <ruby>を</rt> <ruby>確認します</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>周辺</rt> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>ホテル</rt> <ruby>に</rt> <ruby>泊まります</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>周辺</rt> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>ホテル</rt> <ruby>に</rt> <ruby>泊まります</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>混雑</rt> <ruby>緩和</rt> <ruby>策</rt> <ruby>が</rt> <ruby>検討</rt> <ruby>されています</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>混雑</rt> <ruby>緩和</rt> <ruby>策</rt> <ruby>が</rt> <ruby>検討</rt> <ruby>されています</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>持続可能</rt> <ruby>な</rt> <ruby>発展</rt> <ruby>は</rt> <ruby>重要</rt> <ruby>です</rt>。
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>持続可能</rt> <ruby>な</rt> <ruby>発展</rt> <ruby>は</rt> <ruby>重要</rt> <ruby>です</rt>。
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Very High
-
Using <ruby>に</rt> when indicating the location of an action.
→
Using <ruby>で</rt> for location of action.
Saying '<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>に</rt> <ruby>買いました</rt> (kaimashita)' implies you bought something *to go to* the airport, not *at* the airport. The correct particle for the location of an action is <ruby>で</rt>, so it should be '<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>で</rt> <ruby>買いました</rt>.'
-
Confusing <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> with <ruby>駅</rt> (eki).
→
Use <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> for airports and <ruby>駅</rt> for train stations.
<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> is exclusively for airports (air travel), while <ruby>駅</rt> is for train stations (rail travel). They are not interchangeable.
-
Pronouncing the long vowels incorrectly.
→
Pronounce 'kū' and 'kō' with sustained vowel sounds.
Saying 'ku-ko' instead of 'kū-kō' can lead to miscommunication. Practice elongating the vowel sounds to ensure clear pronunciation.
-
Using <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> for seaports.
→
Use <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> for airports and <ruby>港</rt> (minato) for seaports.
Despite the shared kanji <ruby>港</rt>, <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> is strictly for air travel. <ruby>港</rt> (minato) refers to a harbor or seaport.
-
Incorrectly using <ruby>に</rt> for origin.
→
Use <ruby>から</rt> for origin.
Saying '<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>に</rt> <ruby>出発します</rt>' implies departing *to* the airport, not *from* it. The correct particle to indicate origin is <ruby>から</rt>, so it should be '<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>から</rt> <ruby>出発します</rt>.'
Tips
Mastering Vowel Lengths
The pronunciation of くうこう involves two long vowels: 'kū' and 'kō'. Ensure you sustain these vowel sounds to distinguish it from similar-sounding words and for clear communication.
Particle Precision
Pay close attention to the particles used with くうこう. Using に for destination, で for location of action, and から for origin is crucial for correct sentence construction.
Etymological Clues
Remember that くうこう combines 'sky' (空) and 'port' (港), meaning 'sky port'. This etymology can help you visualize and recall the word's meaning.
Visual Associations
Create a mental image of an airplane with a ship's anchor symbol, representing a 'port in the sky'. This visual link between 'sky' and 'port' can aid recall.
Airport Etiquette
When using くうこう in Japan, remember that efficiency and order are valued. Be mindful of announcements and follow directions promptly.
Sentence Building
Practice constructing sentences about your travel plans using くうこう, including going to, arriving at, and departing from it.
Distinguishing from Similar Terms
Ensure you differentiate くうこう from 港 (seaport), 駅 (train station), and 飛行場 (airfield) based on the mode of transport and facility type.
Specificity Matters
If you know the name of the airport, it's common to say '[Airport Name] くうこう', such as 'Narita くうこう'.
Listening for Context
Listen to Japanese travel shows or airport announcements to hear how くうこう is used in natural speech and announcements.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant ship sailing through the sky, docking at a 'sky port'. The 'sky' part is 空 (kū) and the 'port' part is 港 (kō). So, 空 + 港 = くうこう.
Visual Association
Picture an airplane with a small anchor symbol on its side, like a ship's anchor, symbolizing it as a 'port in the sky'. The 'sky' (kū) and 'port' (kō) elements combine in your mind.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your last trip to an airport using "くうこう" and related vocabulary. Focus on the journey to the airport, what you did there, and your departure.
Word Origin
The word "くうこう" is a compound word formed from two kanji. The first kanji is "空 (kū)", meaning 'sky' or 'air', and the second is "港 (kō)", meaning 'port' or 'harbor'.
Original meaning: Literally translated, it means 'sky port' or 'air harbor', a place for aircraft to dock and depart, analogous to a seaport for ships.
JaponicCultural Context
There are no particular sensitivities associated with the word "くうこう". It is a neutral and common term.
While English is often used for signage and announcements in major international airports in Japan, knowing "くうこう" is crucial for understanding local interactions and less formal communication.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Planning a trip
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>まで</rt> <ruby>どうやって</rt> <ruby>行きますか</rt>？
- Where is the <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark>?
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>便</rt> <ruby>を</rt> <ruby>調べたい</rt> (shirabetai) <ruby>です</rt>。
At the airport
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>ゲート</rt> <ruby>は</rt> <ruby>どこ</rt> <ruby>ですか</rt>？
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>で</rt> <ruby>待っています</rt>。
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>案内所</rt> <ruby>は</rt> <ruby>ありますか</rt>？
Discussing transportation
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>行き</rt> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>電車</rt> <ruby>は</rt> <ruby>何時</rt> (nanji) <ruby>ですか</rt>？
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>まで</rt> <ruby>タクシー</rt> <ruby>で</rt> <ruby>行けますか</rt>？
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>バス</rt> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>時刻表</rt> (jikokuhyō) <ruby>を</rt> <ruby>教えて</rt> (oshiete) <ruby>ください</rt>。
Referring to specific airports
- <ruby>成田</rt> <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>は</rt> <ruby>便利</rt> <ruby>です</rt>。
- <ruby>羽田</rt> <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>から</rt> <ruby>国内線</rt> <ruby>に</rt> <ruby>乗ります</rt>。
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>関西</rt> <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>は</rt> <ruby>遠い</rt> <ruby>です</rt>。
General conversation about travel
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>で</rt> <ruby>友達</rt> <ruby>と</rt> <ruby>会いました</rt>。
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>での</rt> <ruby>待ち時間</rt> (machijikan) <ruby>が</rt> <ruby>長かった</rt> (nagakatta) <ruby>です</rt>。
- <mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark> <ruby>の</rt> <ruby>免税店</rt> <ruby>で</rt> <ruby>買い物をしました</rt>。
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever been to Narita Airport?"
"What's your favorite airport in Japan?"
"How do you usually get to the airport?"
"Do you prefer flying from Haneda or Narita?"
"What's the most memorable thing that happened to you at an airport?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your first experience arriving at a Japanese airport. What were your impressions?
Imagine you are an airport manager. What improvements would you make to ensure a smoother passenger experience?
Write about a time you had a long layover at an airport. What did you do to pass the time?
If you could design your own ideal airport, what features would it have?
Reflect on the role of airports in connecting people and cultures around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsくうこう (kūkō) means 'airport' in Japanese. It refers to the complex of runways, terminals, and facilities where aircraft take off and land.
It is pronounced /KOO-koh/. The first syllable 'kū' has a long vowel sound, and the second syllable 'kō' also has a long vowel sound. The stress is on the first syllable.
People use "くうこう" when talking about air travel, going to or from the airport, discussing flights, or referring to airport facilities. For example, 'I'm going to the くうこう.' (くうこう へ 行きます.)
Common phrases include 'くうこう まで お願いします.' (To the airport, please.), 'くうこう は どこ ですか？' (Where is the airport?), and 'くうこう で 待っています.' (I am waiting at the airport.)
No, くうこう is exclusively for airports. Train stations are called 駅 (eki).
The kanji for くうこう is 空港. The first character 空 means 'sky', and the second character 港 means 'port'.
くうこう typically refers to a commercial airport with passenger facilities, while 飛行場 is a more general term for an airfield or aerodrome, which could be a smaller or military facility.
The particle に is used for destination (going *to* the airport), で for the location of an action (meeting *at* the airport), and から for origin (departing *from* the airport).
Yes, you can specify domestic (国内線 - kokunaisen) or international (国際線 - kokusaisen) airports or terminals within an airport. For example, 国内線 くうこう means domestic airport.
No, くうこう is a fundamental word and relatively easy to learn due to its common usage and clear meaning. The pronunciation with long vowels is the main aspect to practice.
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Summary
The Japanese word "<mark class='bg-blue-200 dark:bg-blue-800 px-0.5 rounded'>くうこう</mark>" (kūkō) is the essential term for 'airport', a complex facility for air travel. It's frequently used when discussing flights, travel plans, and navigating transportation hubs.
- Kūkō means airport, a place for planes.
- Used for travel and transportation.
- Key word for navigating air travel.
- Airport: a hub for flights.
Mastering Vowel Lengths
The pronunciation of くうこう involves two long vowels: 'kū' and 'kō'. Ensure you sustain these vowel sounds to distinguish it from similar-sounding words and for clear communication.
Particle Precision
Pay close attention to the particles used with くうこう. Using に for destination, で for location of action, and から for origin is crucial for correct sentence construction.
Etymological Clues
Remember that くうこう combines 'sky' (空) and 'port' (港), meaning 'sky port'. This etymology can help you visualize and recall the word's meaning.
Context is Key
While くうこう is straightforward, its usage can vary. Be aware of whether you're referring to the airport in general, a specific airport, or a part of the airport like a terminal.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More travel words
くらい/ぐらい
B1Particle indicating extent, degree, or 'about/approximately'.
宿泊
B1The act of staying overnight in a place, such as a hotel or guest house. Essential for IELTS General Task 1 letters regarding travel complaints or bookings.
入場料
B1The fee paid to enter a place.
入場券
B1A ticket allowing entry to an event or place.
冒険
B1Adventure; an exciting or unusual experience.
手頃
B1Reasonable in price or size; affordable, suitable.
〜の後に
B1After (a noun or event).
〜の後で
B1After (time or place), behind.
飛行場
A2Airport.
航空会社
B1Airline company.
