Translation guide
The English word "basin" can refer to a bowl-shaped container, a geographical drainage area, a sheltered body of water, or a geological depression. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese word for each meaning.
A bowl-shaped container for holding water, especially for washing hands or face.
A washbasin or washbowl, typically a portable bowl used for washing the face. Common in households and traditional settings.
洗面器にお湯を入れてください。
Please put hot water in the washbasin.
A bathroom sink or washstand, often a fixed unit with a basin and faucet. More modern and built-in than 洗面器.
Literally 'hand-washing', but can refer to a washbasin or restroom sink. Often used in public facilities.
A kitchen sink or basin for washing dishes. Not typically used for a bathroom basin.
The land area drained by a river and its tributaries.
A river basin or drainage basin. The standard geographical term.
アマゾン川流域は広大だ。
The Amazon River basin is vast.
A basin-shaped geographical depression, often surrounded by mountains. Can refer to a river basin in a valley context.
A sheltered area of water where boats can moor, often within a harbor.
An anchorage or basin within a harbor where ships can moor. Nautical term.
船は泊地に停泊している。
The ship is anchored in the basin.
A boat basin or small craft harbor. More casual than 泊地.
A large-scale depression in the Earth's surface, often filled with sediment.
A basin or valley surrounded by mountains. Also used in geology for sedimentary basins.
この地域は堆積盆地だ。
This area is a sedimentary basin.
An ocean basin. Technical term used in marine geology.
The English loanword ボウル (bōru) usually means a mixing bowl or serving bowl, not a bathroom basin. Use 洗面器 or 洗面台 instead.
洗面台の水が止まらない。
The water in the bathroom sink won't stop.
手洗いの水が冷たい。
The water in the washbasin is cold.
Leave the dishes in the sink.
京都盆地は多くの川が流れている。
Many rivers flow through the Kyoto Basin.
漁船が船だまりに戻ってきた。
The fishing boats returned to the basin.
The Pacific Ocean basin is vast.