Translation guide
A harbour is a sheltered area of water where ships can dock. In Japanese, the most common word is 港 (みなと), but there are other terms for specific types of harbours, ports, and related concepts.
The most common way to refer to a harbour or port in everyday conversation.
The standard word for harbour or port. Used for both natural and man-made harbours.
この港には大きな船がたくさん停まっている。
Many large ships are docked at this harbour.
港町を散歩するのが好きです。
I like walking around port towns.
A more formal or technical term for harbour or port, often used in official contexts like 'harbour facilities' or 'port authority'.
この地域の港湾施設はとても整備されている。
The harbour facilities in this area are very well maintained.
Loanword from English, used in proper names like 'Yokohama Harbour' or in compound words like 'harbour view'. Not used as a standalone word for harbour in daily speech.
横浜ハーバーは夜景がきれいです。
Yokohama Harbour has a beautiful night view.
Specifically a harbour used by fishing boats.
A fishing port or harbour. Used when the primary function is fishing.
この漁港では毎朝競りが行われる。
An auction is held every morning at this fishing port.
A harbour used for trade and cargo.
A commercial port. Used for harbours that handle cargo and trade.
神戸は古くから商港として栄えた。
Kobe has flourished as a commercial port since ancient times.
A naturally sheltered harbour, often a bay or inlet.
Literally 'natural good harbour'. Used to describe a naturally well-sheltered harbour.
この湾は天然の良港として知られている。
This bay is known as a natural harbour.
The entrance to a harbour.
The entrance or mouth of a harbour. More technical or literary.
船が港口を通過した。
The ship passed through the harbour entrance.
To keep a feeling or thought in one's mind, often secretly.
Literally 'to hold in one's heart'. Used for harbouring feelings like resentment, hope, or dreams.
彼は長年、復讐心を心に抱いていた。
He had harboured a desire for revenge for many years.
彼女は密かに希望を心に抱いている。
She secretly harbours hope.
A verb meaning 'to harbour' or 'to hold' (feelings, thoughts). Often used with words like 疑い (doubt), 不満 (discontent), 夢 (dream).
A general verb meaning 'to have' or 'to hold'. Can be used for harbouring feelings in a less literary way than 抱く.
To provide a safe place for someone, often a criminal or fugitive.
To shelter or harbour a person, especially someone wanted by authorities.
彼は逃亡者をかくまった罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for harbouring a fugitive.
Kanji form of かくまう, meaning to shelter or harbour. Same reading and usage.
港 (みなと) is the everyday word for harbour or port. 港湾 (こうわん) is more formal and often used in compound words like 港湾労働者 (harbour worker) or 港湾都市 (port city). Use 港 in most situations.
港で待ち合わせよう。
Let's meet at the harbour.
港湾管理事務所
port management office
ハーバー is a loanword used mainly in proper names or specific phrases like ハーバービュー (harbour view). It is not a natural replacement for 港 in conversation.
× ハーバーに行こう。
Let's go to the harbour. (unnatural)
○ 港に行こう。
Let's go to the harbour. (natural)
He harbours discontent towards his boss.
He seems to harbour ill will towards me.
逃亡者を匿うことは犯罪です。
Harbouring a fugitive is a crime.