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.
Embarkation procedures begin one hour before departure.
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.
Tomorrow I'll embark on a ship to the island.
Expressing the act of getting on an airplane.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please complete the embarkation procedures.
I was nervous when I embarked on a plane for the first time.
We embarked on the bus and departed.