Translation guide
A rope used to secure a boat or ship to a dock, pier, or mooring. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 係留索 (けいりゅうさく), but more specific words exist depending on the part of the boat and the type of line.
A rope used to tie up a boat or ship to a dock or mooring.
The standard, formal term for a mooring rope or line. Used in nautical contexts.
Please tie the mooring rope securely.
The ship is secured to the quay with mooring ropes.
A common term for a mooring line, often used in everyday boating. 'もやい' means mooring, and '綱' means rope.
Throw the mooring line to the pier.
Another term for mooring rope, literally 'ship-securing rope'. Similar to 係留索 but slightly less common.
The mooring rope is about to break.
A literary or traditional term for a mooring rope. '舫い' is an older reading for mooring.
In old ports, traditional mooring ropes are still used.
A mooring rope with a specific function based on where it is attached on the boat.
Bow line – a mooring rope from the bow (front) of the boat.
Take the bow line first.
Stern line – a mooring rope from the stern (rear) of the boat.
The stern line is loose.
Spring line – a mooring rope used to prevent the boat from moving forward or backward. Often borrowed from English.
Please tighten the spring line.
Breast line – a mooring rope that runs perpendicular to the boat to keep it close to the dock.
The breast line is detached.
A mooring rope made of a specific material or with a particular construction.
General word for rope, often used in boating contexts. Can be combined with descriptors.
This rope is for mooring.
Synthetic fiber rope, commonly used for mooring due to strength and durability.
Hemp rope, traditionally used for mooring but now less common.
Hemp rope is weak against water.
While 綱 means 'rope' or 'line', it is too generic. In nautical contexts, always use a compound like 係留索 or もやい綱 to specify it's a mooring rope.
Common verbs include 結ぶ (むすぶ, to tie), 取る (とる, to take/handle), 張る (はる, to tighten), 緩める (ゆるめる, to loosen), and 投げる (なげる, to throw).
Synthetic fiber ropes are stronger than natural fiber ones.