Translation guide
A temporary floating bridge supported by pontoons or boats. In Japanese, the most common term is 舟橋, but other expressions exist depending on context.
The standard word for a bridge supported by floats or boats, used in both modern and historical contexts.
The army built a pontoon bridge across the river.
This pontoon bridge is set up every summer.
Literally 'floating bridge'. Often used interchangeably with 舟橋, but can also refer to any bridge that floats, not necessarily made of boats.
The pontoon bridge was washed away by the flood.
A less common term, sometimes used in technical or military contexts. Can also mean 'ship's bridge' (the control room of a ship), so context is important.
This word more commonly means 'ship's bridge' (操舵室). Use 舟橋 or 浮橋 to avoid confusion.
The engineers constructed a pontoon bridge.
Referring to a pontoon bridge that is a permanent or historical structure, often a local landmark.
Used when talking about famous historical pontoon bridges, such as those from the Edo period.
This area has a famous pontoon bridge from the Edo period.
A temporary bridge built by military engineers for troop and equipment movement.
舟橋 (ふなばし) is the most common and neutral term. 浮橋 (うきはし) emphasizes the floating aspect and can include non-boat floats. 船橋 (せんきょう) is rare for pontoon bridges and usually means a ship's bridge; avoid unless context is very clear.
When explaining a pontoon bridge to someone unfamiliar, you can describe it as 「船を並べてその上に板を渡した橋」(a bridge made by lining up boats and laying planks over them).
A temporary pontoon bridge was set up for disaster relief.