Translation guide
A ferry is a boat or ship that carries people, vehicles, or goods across a body of water, usually on a regular route. In Japanese, the most common word is フェリー, but other terms exist depending on context.
A boat that transports people, cars, or goods across water on a scheduled service.
The most common and general word for 'ferry'. Used for both passenger and car ferries.
明日、フェリーで北海道に行きます。
Tomorrow, I'm going to Hokkaido by ferry.
このフェリーは車も運べます。
This ferry can also carry cars.
A more traditional term for a small ferry, often a simple boat that crosses a river or narrow channel. Can sound old-fashioned or rustic.
川の向こうへ渡し船で渡った。
I crossed the river on a small ferry.
Literally 'connecting ship'. Often used for ferries that connect islands or remote areas, especially in historical or official contexts.
昔、青森と函館の間には連絡船が運航していた。
In the past, a ferry operated between Aomori and Hakodate.
Referring to the transportation service or the route itself.
Means 'ferry service' or 'ferry flight' (by analogy with air travel). Used for scheduled departures.
次のフェリー便は何時ですか？
What time is the next ferry?
Refers to the ferry route or line.
新しいフェリー航路が開設された。
A new ferry route has been established.
To transport people or goods by ferry, or more generally to convey across water.
The most straightforward way to say 'to ferry' something, using the noun フェリー with the verb 運ぶ (carry).
トラックをフェリーで運んだ。
We ferried the trucks across.
A general verb meaning 'to carry across' or 'to transport over water'. Can be used for ferrying people or goods, but is broader than just ferry.
船で人を向こう岸に渡す。
To ferry people to the opposite shore by boat.
フェリー is the modern, general term for any ferry. 渡し船 implies a small, often traditional boat for short crossings, like across a river. 連絡船 is more formal and often used for historical or long-distance connecting services between islands.
The English word 'ferry' sounds similar to 'fairy', but they are completely different. In Japanese, 'fairy' is 妖精 (ようせい).
私たちはフェリーで島に行きました。
We took the ferry to the island.
フェリーは午前8時に出発します。
The ferry leaves at 8 a.m.