Translation guide
The English word "port" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a harbor for ships, a computer connection point, a type of fortified wine, and the left side of a ship. Each meaning has its own Japanese expressions.
A town or city with a harbor where ships load or unload, or the harbor itself.
The ship arrived at the port. · a busy port city
The most common and general word for a port or harbor. Used for both the physical harbor and the port town.
The ship entered the port.
Yokohama is a big port city.
A more formal or technical term for a port or harbor, often used in official contexts like "port facilities" or "port authority."
The development of port facilities is progressing.
A loanword from English, used mainly in proper names like "Port of Kobe" or in compound terms. Not commonly used alone in everyday speech.
I went to Kobe Port Tower.
A connection point on a computer or device for plugging in cables or peripherals.
USB port · HDMI port
The standard term for a computer port. Used in compounds like USBポート (USB port).
This computer has three USB ports.
Please plug the cable into the HDMI port.
Literally "connection opening," a more descriptive term sometimes used in manuals or casual speech.
A type of sweet, fortified wine originally from Portugal.
a glass of port · vintage port
The left-hand side of a ship or aircraft when facing forward.
The cargo is on the port side. · Turn to port.
The nautical/aviation term for the port (left) side. Used in technical or formal contexts.
Another ship is visible on the port side.
Loanword from English "port side," used in some contexts but less common than 左舷.
Please dock on the port side.
While ポート can mean a harbor in proper names, using it alone to mean "port" as in a harbor town sounds unnatural. Stick to 港 for that meaning.
(Unnatural) I want to go to the port.
I want to go to the port.
Plug the charging cable into the port.
Would you like a glass of port?