Translation guide
A group of vehicles or ships traveling together, often for protection or efficiency.
The learner wants to refer to a group of vehicles or ships moving together, typically for mutual support or protection.
護送船団 implies an escort or protection, often military. 船団 is a general term for a group of ships, not necessarily escorted.
護送船団は駆逐艦に守られていた。
The convoy was protected by destroyers.
船団は霧の中で迷った。
The fleet got lost in the fog.
車列 is the most natural term for a line of cars or trucks, such as a presidential motorcade or a funeral procession. Avoid using コンボイ unless the context is clearly influenced by English (e.g., trucker culture).
Specifically refers to a convoy of ships under escort, often used in military or historical contexts. Can also be used metaphorically.
護送船団が海峡を通過した。
The convoy passed through the strait.
A line or procession of vehicles, such as cars or trucks. Common for motorcades or organized vehicle groups.
大統領の車列が通り過ぎた。
The president's motorcade passed by.
A fleet or group of ships. Not necessarily under escort; can be a general term for a group of vessels traveling together.
漁船の船団が港を出た。
A fleet of fishing boats left the harbor.
Loanword from English. Used in some contexts, especially in trucking or gaming, but less common than native terms.
トラックのコンボイが高速道路を走っている。
A convoy of trucks is driving on the highway.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'to advance in formation'. Can be used for vehicles or ships, but is more formal/literary.
軍用車両が隊列を組んで進んだ。
The military vehicles advanced in convoy.