Translation guide
The English word 'harbor' can refer to a physical port or shelter for boats, or metaphorically to holding onto feelings, thoughts, or suspicions. This guide covers both literal and figurative uses, with natural Japanese equivalents.
A place on the coast where ships can dock and find shelter.
The most common and general word for a harbor or port. Used for both small fishing harbors and large commercial ports.
The ship came into the harbor.
This harbor is famous for its fishing industry.
A more formal or technical term for a harbor or port, often used in official contexts, such as '港湾施設' (port facilities).
This area developed as an important port city.
Loanword from English, used in proper names like 'Yokohama Harbor' or in some commercial contexts, but not the default word.
Yokohama Harbor is popular with tourists.
To keep a feeling, thought, or suspicion in one's mind, often secretly or for a long time.
Literally 'to hold in one's heart', this is a natural way to express harboring emotions like resentment, hope, or love.
He harbors resentment toward her.
She secretly harbored hope.
A verb meaning 'to hold' or 'to harbor', used with nouns like 疑い (suspicion), 恨み (resentment), or 希望 (hope). Often used without 心に.
A more general verb meaning 'to have', used for harboring feelings in a less literary way. Common in spoken Japanese.
Means 'to keep hidden' or 'to harbor secretly', emphasizing concealment. Often used for strong emotions or talents.
To give shelter or refuge to someone, especially a criminal or wanted person.
To carry or be infected with a disease, often without showing symptoms.
Do not use 港 (minato) for metaphorical harboring. It only refers to a physical port. Use verbs like 抱く (idaku) or 持つ (motsu) for feelings, and かくまう (kakumau) for hiding people.
抱く (idaku) is more literary and often used for deep or long-held emotions like resentment or hope. 持つ (motsu) is more general and colloquial, suitable for everyday feelings like ill will or curiosity.
彼は私に疑いを抱いているようだ。
He seems to harbor suspicions about me.
He harbors ill will toward me.
彼女は心に秘めた情熱を持っている。
She harbors a hidden passion.
彼らは逃亡者を匿った。
They harbored the fugitive.
He harbors the bacteria without symptoms.