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.
Tomorrow, I'm going to Hokkaido by ferry.
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.
Literally 'connecting ship'. Often used for ferries that connect islands or remote areas, especially in historical or official contexts.
Referring to the transportation service or the route itself.
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).
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.
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).
We took the ferry to the island.
The ferry leaves at 8 a.m.
I crossed the river on a small ferry.
In the past, a ferry operated between Aomori and Hakodate.
To ferry people to the opposite shore by boat.