Translation guide
The English word 'station' most commonly refers to a train station, but can also mean a bus station, a facility for a specific purpose (police station, fire station), or a broadcasting station. This guide focuses on the most useful meanings for learners.
The most common meaning: a place where trains or subways stop.
The standard word for any train or subway station. Used in names and general references.
Tokyo Station is very big.
次の駅で降ります。
I'll get off at the next station.
An older, more formal term for a train station, sometimes seen in literature or signs. Rarely used in daily conversation.
この停車場は昔ながらの雰囲気があります。
This station has an old-fashioned atmosphere.
A place where buses depart and arrive, often a larger hub.
The most common word for a bus stop. For a larger bus terminal, see バスターミナル.
あのバス停からバスが出ます。
The bus leaves from that bus stop.
A building where police officers work and the public can report crimes.
The standard term for a police station. Note that a small neighborhood police box is called 交番 (こうばん).
警察署に行って遺失物の届けを出しました。
I went to the police station and filed a lost property report.
A small local police box or substation, not a full police station. Often translated as 'police box'.
A building where firefighters and fire engines are based.
The standard term for a fire station.
消防署の隣に住んでいます。
I live next to the fire station.
A facility that broadcasts television or radio programs.
General term for a broadcasting station (TV or radio).
その放送局は24時間ニュースを流しています。
That station broadcasts news 24 hours a day.
Specifically a TV station.
Specifically a radio station.
このラジオ局は音楽番組が多いです。
This radio station has a lot of music programs.
A place where you can buy fuel for vehicles.
The most common term for a gas station. Often abbreviated to ガススタ in casual speech.
次のガソリンスタンドで止まってください。
Please stop at the next gas station.
A more formal or technical term for a fueling station, often seen on signs.
駅 (えき) is the everyday word for train station. 停車場 (ていしゃじょう) is an older, more formal term that you might see in historical contexts or on old signs, but it is rarely used in modern conversation.
警察署 (けいさつしょ) is a full police station with various departments. 交番 (こうばん) is a small neighborhood police box where officers are stationed to patrol and assist locals. If you need to file a report or deal with serious matters, go to a 警察署.
In English, 'station' combines with many nouns (train station, bus station, etc.). In Japanese, different words are used for each type. Avoid directly translating 'station' as 駅 for non-train contexts.
駅はどこですか？
Where is the station?
駅で会いましょう。
I'll meet you at the station.
この駅はいつも混んでいます。
This station is always crowded.
Used for a larger bus station or terminal, often with multiple platforms and facilities.
新宿バスターミナルはとても混雑しています。
Shinjuku Bus Terminal is very crowded.
交番で道を聞きました。
I asked for directions at the police box.
She works at a TV station.
高速道路の給油所は高いです。
Gas stations on the expressway are expensive.