Translation guide
A ferryboat is a boat that carries people, vehicles, or goods across a body of water on a regular route. In Japanese, the most common word is フェリー, but there are also traditional terms like 渡し船 and 連絡船 depending on context.
A modern ferry that transports passengers and often cars, trucks, or trains across water.
The most common and neutral word for a modern ferry, especially one that carries vehicles. Used in everyday conversation and signage.
Tomorrow I'm going to Hokkaido by ferry.
Specifically a car ferry. Used when emphasizing that vehicles are transported.
A small boat that ferries people across a river or short distance, often manually operated or with a simple motor.
A ferry that connects with railways or major transport routes, often historically important.
Referring to the ferry system or line rather than a specific boat.
Also used for the service or route. Context makes it clear.
フェリー is the general modern term, often implying a large vessel that carries vehicles. 渡し船 is a small, often traditional boat for short crossings. 連絡船 specifically refers to a ferry that connects with rail or other transport networks, now mostly historical.
I rode the Tokyo Bay Ferry.
We took the ferry to the island.
This ferry can also carry cars.
カーフェリーに乗って島へ渡りました。
We crossed to the island on a car ferry.
A traditional ferryboat, often a small wooden boat used to cross rivers or short distances. Evokes a nostalgic or rural image.
In the old days, there was a ferryboat on this river.
Short for 渡し船. Can refer to the ferry service or the boat itself. Often used in place names.
Take the ferry to the opposite bank.
A ferry that connects with train lines or other transport networks. Historically used for major routes like the one between Honshu and Hokkaido before the Seikan Tunnel.
The Seikan ferry was discontinued in 1988.
This ferry runs three times a day.
Ferry service/flight. Used when talking about schedules or specific departures.
We missed the last ferry.
渡し船で川を渡る。
Cross the river by ferryboat.
In the past, we went to Shikoku by ferry (connecting with trains).
The direct loanword フェリーボート exists but is much less common than フェリー. It may sound unnatural or overly literal. Stick with フェリー.
There's a small ferry across the river.