Translation guide
In Japanese, 'subway' can refer to the underground train system, a pedestrian underpass, or a sandwich shop. The most common word for the train system is 地下鉄 (chikatetsu). For a pedestrian underpass, use 地下道 (chikadō). The sandwich chain is referred to as サブウェイ (sabuwei).
Referring to a city's underground railway network or a subway train.
The standard word for a subway system or subway train. Used in most contexts.
東京の地下鉄はとても便利です。
The Tokyo subway is very convenient.
地下鉄で行きましょう。
Let's go by subway.
Often used in proper names like 東京メトロ (Tokyo Metro). Can be understood as 'metro' in English, but less common as a generic term.
東京メトロの路線図をください。
Please give me a Tokyo Metro route map.
A more formal or legal term for a subway railway. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
地下鉄道の建設が進んでいます。
Construction of the subway line is progressing.
Referring to an underground passage for pedestrians to cross a road or railway.
The standard word for a pedestrian underpass. Not to be confused with 地下鉄 (subway train).
駅の地下道を通ってください。
Please use the station underpass.
この地下道は夜は暗いです。
This underpass is dark at night.
A slightly more formal term for an underground passage, often used in signage.
地下通路をご利用ください。
Please use the underground passage.
Referring to the fast-food restaurant chain Subway.
The katakana rendering of the brand name. Used exactly like the English name.
サブウェイでサンドイッチを買った。
I bought a sandwich at Subway.