Translation guide
In Japanese, 'metro' most commonly refers to the subway system, especially the Tokyo Metro. The word メトロ (metoro) is widely understood, but 地下鉄 (chikatetsu) is the general term for subway. Usage depends on context: referring to the system, a specific line, or a station.
地下鉄
metro (subway)
Referring to a city's underground railway system as a whole.
The standard Japanese word for 'subway' or 'metro'. Used for any underground urban railway system.
東京の地下鉄はとても便利です。
The Tokyo metro is very convenient.
地下鉄で行きましょう。
Let's go by metro.
Loanword from English, often used in proper names like 'Tokyo Metro' or in signage. Less common in everyday speech than 地下鉄.
東京メトロの一日乗車券を買いました。
I bought a one-day pass for the Tokyo Metro.
Talking about a particular line or station of a metro system.
Attach 線 (sen) to the line name to refer to a metro line. Often the line name is in katakana or kanji.
丸ノ内線で新宿まで行けます。
You can go to Shinjuku on the Marunouchi Line.
銀座線は日本で最初の地下鉄です。
The Ginza Line is Japan's first metro line.
Attach 駅 (eki) to the station name. Metro stations are often underground but the word is the same as for any train station.
次の地下鉄の駅で降ります。
I'll get off at the next metro station.
Referring specifically to the Tokyo Metro company or its network.
The official name of one of Tokyo's two major subway operators. Use this when distinguishing from Toei Subway or other railways.
東京メトロと都営地下鉄があります。
There is Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.
地下鉄 (chikatetsu) is the generic term for any subway. メトロ (metoro) is a loanword often used in proper names like Tokyo Metro. In casual conversation, 地下鉄 is more common. Use メトロ when referring to the brand or in contexts where English loanwords are preferred, such as trendy areas or signage.
地下鉄に乗ります。
I'll take the subway.
メトロの駅はどこですか？
Where is the Metro station?