Yuka駅 and 停留所 — both are places where you catch public transport, but you use the wrong one and you’ll be standing in the wrong spot!
Rei駅 (eki) is a train or subway station. 停留所 (teiryuujo) is a bus stop or tram stop — a designated stopping point on a road. Different transport, different word!
| 駅 (eki) | 停留所 (teiryuujo) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Train station / subway station | Bus stop / tram stop |
| Transport | Train, subway, Shinkansen | Bus, tram, streetcar |
| Structure | Building / platform | Roadside stop (usually a sign/shelter) |
| Example | 渋谷駅で待っています。 | 次の停留所で降ります。 |
駅 — Train and Subway Stations
駅 (eki) refers to any train, subway, or rail station. It is one of the most fundamental words in Japanese for navigating cities.
- 渋谷駅で待っています。— I’m waiting at Shibuya Station.
- 次の駅で乗り換えてください。— Please transfer at the next station.
- 駅まで歩いて5分です。— It’s a 5-minute walk to the station.
- 駅の改札を通る。— To pass through the station ticket gates.
停留所 — Bus and Tram Stops
停留所 (teiryuujo) is the formal word for a bus stop or tram stop — a designated place on a road where buses or trams stop to pick up passengers.
- 次の停留所で降ります。— I’ll get off at the next stop.
- バスの停留所はどこですか?— Where is the bus stop?
- 停留所で待っていてください。— Please wait at the stop.
Everyday Word: バス停
In casual speech, the word バス停 (basutei) is much more commonly used than 停留所 for bus stops. 停留所 is more formal or written.
- バス停はすぐそこです。— The bus stop is right over there.
- バス停で待つ。— To wait at the bus stop.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
English “station” and “stop” map cleanly: 駅 = station (trains), バス停/停留所 = stop (buses/trams). Don’t use 駅 for a bus stop — that would confuse a Japanese person, as 駅 exclusively means a rail station.
Quick Quiz
What is the casual everyday word for a bus stop?
Answer: バス停
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