Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Traffic" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "traffic", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
交通
こうつう (kōtsū)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
交通事故
こうつうじこ (kōtsūjiko)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "traffic" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 交通 and 交通事故.
In Japanese, 交通 (こうつう (kōtsū)) is typically associated with "traffic, transportation" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the movement of people and vehicles, or the system for doing so. Often used with 手段.
On the other hand, 交通事故 (こうつうじこ (kōtsūjiko)) maps to "traffic accident" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to an incident involving vehicles on a road, often resulting in damage or injury. 道路上で車や自転車などがぶつかるなどのトラブルを指します。. A literal translation of "traffic" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "交通"
東京の交通はとても便利です。
Tokyo's transportation is very convenient.
Bilingual Context for "交通事故"
今朝、駅前で交通事故がありました。
There was a traffic accident in front of the station this morning.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "東京の ＿＿＿ はとても便利です。" (Meaning: "Tokyo's transportation is very convenient.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "交通" fits here because it means "traffic, transportation" in the context of: "Tokyo's transportation is very convenient.". "交通事故" represents "traffic accident".