What is Concourse?
Meaning, Origin, Popular Use, and Synonyms
What is Concourse?
When travelers navigate through airports or large transportation hubs, they often encounter the term “concourse.” A concourse refers to a spacious and well-designed public area within an airport, train station, or other transportation terminal where passengers can gather, wait, and access various facilities. It serves as a central point connecting different gates, platforms, or terminals, allowing travelers to move between different parts of the transportation facility efficiently.
Concourses are typically equipped with amenities such as seating areas, restrooms, shops, restaurants, and information desks, providing passengers with a comfortable and convenient space while they wait for their flights, trains, or connecting services.
Origins of the term Concourse
The term “concourse” has its origins in the Latin word “concursum,” which means “a coming together.” It was initially used in the context of crowds or gatherings. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a central gathering space within transportation hubs. The concept of concourses in modern transportation facilities began to take shape in the 20th century, as airports and train stations expanded to accommodate the increasing number of travelers.
Where is the term Concourse commonly used?
The term “concourse” is commonly used in the context of transportation hubs, particularly airports and train stations. In airports, concourses are found in terminals, connecting different gates and providing a hub for departing and arriving passengers. In train stations, concourses serve as central areas linking various platforms and facilitating passenger movement.
Concourses are prevalent in major transportation hubs around the world, including international airports and railway stations with high passenger traffic.
Synonyms of the term Concourse
While the term “concourse” is widely used, it may also be referred to as:
- Terminal
- Hall
- Atrium
- Galleria
- Plaza
- Foyer
These terms are often used interchangeably to describe the central public spaces in transportation facilities where passengers congregate and access various services.
How to say Concourse in other languages?
Here’s how to say “concourse” in various languages:
- Spanish: Concurso or Sala de espera (for airport concourse)
- Italian: Concorso or Sala d’attesa (for airport concourse)
- French: Concours or Salle d’attente (for airport concourse)
- German: Gleishalle or Wartebereich (for train station concourse); Flughafen-Terminal (for airport concourse)
- Chinese: 候车厅 (Simplified Chinese: Hòu Chē Tīng) (for train station concourse); 候机厅 (Simplified Chinese: Hòu Jī Tīng) (for airport concourse)
- Hindi: प्रतियोगिता (Devanagari: प्रतियोगिता) (for train station concourse); विमानतट (Devanagari: विमानतट) (for airport concourse)
- Japanese: コンコース (Katakana: コンコース)
- Arabic: ساحة المطار (Transliteration: Sahat al-Matar) (for airport concourse)
- Russian: Конкурс (Transliteration: Konkurs) (for train station concourse); аэропортовский терминал (Transliteration: aeroportovskiy terminal) (for airport concourse)