Translation guide
The English word 'cruise' can refer to a leisurely voyage on a ship, traveling at a steady speed, or moving smoothly and effortlessly. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
To talk about taking a cruise as a vacation or trip on a large passenger ship.
The most common and direct loanword for a cruise vacation. Used for modern cruise ship travel.
We plan to go on a Mediterranean cruise next year.
I took a round-the-world trip on a cruise ship.
Literally 'ship journey'. A more general term for traveling by ship, which can include cruises but also other sea voyages. Sounds slightly more traditional or romantic.
The cruise on the luxury liner was wonderful.
Literally 'cruising/navigation'. Often used in technical or formal contexts, such as a ship patrolling or sailing on a set route. Not typically used for vacation cruises.
The ship is cruising the Pacific.
To describe a car, plane, or other vehicle moving smoothly at a constant, comfortable speed.
Used for vehicles maintaining a steady cruising speed, especially in technical or formal descriptions. Often used with 速度 (speed).
The plane reached cruising speed.
The car was cruising on the highway.
A more everyday way to say 'drive at a constant speed'. Not a direct translation of 'cruise', but conveys the idea naturally.
Slang for cruising around in a car, often with no particular destination. Implies a relaxed, aimless drive.
To describe someone or something moving gracefully, without hurry, as if gliding.
An onomatopoeic phrase meaning to move smoothly and swiftly without obstacles. Often used for people walking briskly or things progressing easily.
He cruised through the crowd smoothly.
Means to advance with ease, without difficulty. Conveys the effortless aspect of 'cruising'.
Implies moving leisurely and composedly, with plenty of time. More literary or formal.
The swan is cruising gracefully across the lake.
To describe easily passing a test, completing a task, or winning without much effort.
Slang for an easy victory or success. Often used when something was much easier than expected.
I cruised through the exam.
Means to clear or pass something with room to spare. Very common in casual speech.
I cruised through that game easily.
Means to go smoothly without any trouble. Can be used for processes or negotiations.
The negotiations cruised along smoothly.
To describe going out with the intention of finding a casual sexual encounter.
Specifically means to hit on or pick up someone, usually in a public place. The closest equivalent to 'cruising' in this sense.
He cruises the entertainment district on weekends.
A more euphemistic way to say 'looking for encounters'. Can imply cruising without being as direct.
While 'cruise' in English can mean driving around leisurely, クルーズ in Japanese almost exclusively refers to a ship cruise. For driving, use 流す or ドライブする instead.
We cruised along the coast on the weekend.
巡航 (junkou) is a technical term for cruising at a steady speed, used for ships, planes, or cars. クルーズ (kuruuzu) is the loanword for a leisure cruise vacation. Don't mix them up.
It's my first time on a cruise ship.
This ship cruises at 20 knots.
It's safe to cruise at a constant speed on the highway.
週末はよく友達と車で流している。
On weekends I often cruise around with friends in the car.
She cruised through the marathon effortlessly.
He was cruising the night streets looking for a hookup.