Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'passenger' is 乗客 (じょうきゃく). However, the best choice depends on the type of vehicle and context. This guide covers general passengers, passengers in specific vehicles, and related expressions.
The most common, all-purpose word for a passenger on any form of transportation.
The standard, neutral term for a passenger on a train, bus, plane, ship, etc. Used in news, announcements, and everyday conversation.
その電車には多くの乗客が乗っていた。
There were many passengers on that train.
乗客の安全が最優先です。
Passenger safety is the top priority.
A more formal term, often used in official contexts like transportation statistics, legal documents, or the travel industry. Can also refer to travelers in general.
旅客数は前年比で増加した。
The number of passengers increased compared to the previous year.
When referring specifically to someone riding in a car or taxi (not driving).
Still usable for car passengers, especially in formal or general contexts.
タクシーの乗客が忘れ物をした。
A taxi passenger left something behind.
A more casual, descriptive way to say 'person riding in a car'. Natural in conversation when the vehicle is clear from context.
車に乗っている人に道を聞いた。
I asked the person in the car for directions.
Means 'fellow passenger' or 'person riding together'. Used when emphasizing that someone is riding along with others, often in a private car.
Specifically for air travel.
The standard term for airline passengers.
飛行機の乗客は全員無事だった。
All passengers on the plane were safe.
Common in airline industry terminology, e.g., 旅客機 (passenger plane), 旅客サービス (passenger service).
For maritime travel.
Works for any ship passenger.
フェリーの乗客がデッキに出た。
The ferry passengers went out on deck.
Specifically means 'ship passenger'. Less common than 乗客 but used in maritime contexts.
When you need to clarify that someone is not the driver.
In Japanese, you can simply contrast 運転手 (driver) and 乗客 (passenger) to make the distinction clear.
運転手と乗客の両方がけがをした。
Both the driver and the passenger were injured.
Literally 'person who doesn't drive'. A casual way to refer to a passenger in a car context.
私は運転しない人だから、後ろに座るね。
I'm not driving, so I'll sit in the back.
The English loanword パッセンジャー is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick with 乗客 or other native terms.
In casual conversation, if the vehicle is obvious, you can simply say 乗っている人 (person riding) or even just 人 (person). For example, in a car: 「隣の人」 (the person next to me) can imply a passenger.
運転手と同乗者が事故に巻き込まれた。
The driver and the passenger were involved in an accident.
The passenger plane arrived at the airport.
The ship passengers were resting in their cabins.