Translation guide
The act of boarding a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle to begin a journey. In Japanese, the most natural expression depends on the mode of transport and formality of the situation.
Expressing the act of getting on a ship or ferry to start a voyage.
The standard noun meaning 'boarding a ship' or 'embarkation'. Used in formal contexts like announcements and signs.
乗船手続きは出発の1時間前から始まります。
Embarkation procedures begin one hour before departure.
乗船券をお持ちの方からご案内いたします。
We will begin boarding passengers with embarkation tickets.
A verb meaning 'to board' or 'to get on', often implying stepping onto a vehicle or vessel. More casual than 乗船.
The most basic way to say 'get on a ship'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
明日、船に乗って島へ行きます。
Tomorrow I'll embark on a ship to the island.
Expressing the act of getting on an airplane.
The standard noun for 'boarding' an aircraft. Used in airports and formal contexts.
搭乗ゲートは出発の20分前に閉まります。
The boarding gate closes 20 minutes before departure.
搭乗手続きを済ませてください。
Please complete the embarkation procedures.
The everyday expression for 'get on a plane'.
初めて飛行機に乗るときは緊張した。
I was nervous when I embarked on a plane for the first time.
Expressing the act of getting on any vehicle to start a trip.
Noun meaning 'boarding a vehicle' (train, bus, car, etc.). Used in transportation contexts.
乗車券は駅の窓口でお求めください。
Please purchase your embarkation ticket at the station counter.
The general verb for 'to ride' or 'to get on'. Use with the appropriate vehicle noun.
バスに乗って出発した。
We embarked on the bus and departed.
Describing a formal or ceremonial boarding, often for a voyage or expedition.
A ceremony for boarding a ship, often used for maiden voyages or special events.
新造船の乗船式が行われた。
An embarkation ceremony was held for the new ship.
These nouns are used for specific vehicles: 乗船 (ship/ferry), 搭乗 (aircraft), 乗車 (train/bus/car). In casual speech, use ～に乗る instead.
English 'embarkation' is formal. In everyday Japanese, simply say 船に乗る or 飛行機に乗る. Using 乗船 or 搭乗 in casual chat may sound stiff.
Passengers embarked on the ferry one after another.