Translation guide
The English word 'gangway' has two main uses: a passageway on a ship or between seating, and an exclamation meaning 'make way.' This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents for each context.
A raised platform or bridge used to board or leave a ship, or a passage along the side of a ship.
A clear path between rows of seats, such as in a theater, bus, or stadium.
The standard word for an aisle or passageway in any indoor setting, including between seats.
Used to tell people to move aside or clear a path, often in urgent or crowded situations.
Polite but direct way to ask someone to move out of the way. Suitable for most situations.
すみません、どいてください。急いでいるんです。
Excuse me, gangway! I'm in a hurry.
When referring to a passage between seats, use 通路 (つうろ), not タラップ. タラップ is specifically a boarding ramp for ships or aircraft.
映画館の通路は狭かった。
The gangway in the movie theater was narrow.
Commonly used for a gangway or boarding ramp, especially for ships or aircraft. A loanword from Dutch 'trap'.
乗客はタラップを降りて桟橋に向かった。
The passengers went down the gangway and headed to the pier.
A more technical or formal term for a ship's gangway or accommodation ladder. Often used in nautical contexts.
船長は舷梯から乗船した。
The captain boarded the ship via the gangway.
Refers to a gangway port or opening in the ship's side where a gangway is attached. Rarely used outside specialized maritime contexts.
舷門から貨物を積み込んだ。
They loaded cargo through the gangway port.
すみません、通路側の席をお願いします。
Excuse me, I'd like an aisle seat, please.
In kabuki or traditional theater, a raised runway extending into the audience. Not a general gangway, but sometimes translated as such in theatrical contexts.
役者が花道を通って登場した。
The actor made his entrance along the gangway.
Literally 'let me through.' A polite request to clear a path.
すみません、通してください。
Excuse me, gangway please.
Very blunt and rough command meaning 'get out of the way.' Used in emergencies or by someone with authority, but can be rude.
This is a rough, imperative form. Use only in urgent situations or with close friends; otherwise it sounds aggressive.
どけ！危ない！
Gangway! It's dangerous!