タクシー

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. タクシーを呼んでください。▶ —
   Please call a taxi.
2. タクシーの方が早いかもしれません。▶ —
   Maybe a taxi would be faster.

Collocations

Mnemonic

タクシー takushii — the English "taxi" taken in through katakana. The hallmark grain of the Japanese taxi is 自動ドア — the driver works the rear door by button. If a passenger reaches for the handle, back comes the line "doa wa jidou desu." Arriving just before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, it has been the default for sixty years, and white gloves, a suit, and the manner of waiting hands-off all settle into this one word.

Quick check

1. Most distinctive feature of Japanese taxis?

   • Jidou-doa — driver opens / closes automatically, passenger never touches
   • Only black cars
   • No reservations
   • Flat 24h fare