noun
kei
noun
1
A class of small, lightweight Japanese cars and vans with small engines, built to fit strict size and power limits.
"Kei cars are popular in Japan because they get tax breaks and are easy to park."
"He imported a used kei truck for work around the farm."
How to Use Kei
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tiny, fuel-efficient category of car made in Japan.
Common pairings
kei car
kei truck
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_____ cars are popular in Japan because they get tax breaks and are easy to park.
Etymology
From Japanese kei (軽), meaning "light" or "lightweight", shortened from keijidōsha ("light automobile").