Translation guide
A quay is a structure built along the edge of a body of water where ships can dock to load and unload. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 埠頭 (ふとう), but other terms like 波止場 (はとば) and 岸壁 (がんぺき) are used depending on context.
A general term for a quay, wharf, or pier where ships dock.
The most common and general term for a quay or wharf in modern Japanese. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
The ship docked at the quay.
Many containers were stacked on the quay.
A slightly more literary or traditional term for a quay or wharf. Often evokes a nostalgic or scenic image.
People enjoying fishing on the quay.
Refers specifically to a quay wall or the vertical face of a quay. Often used in technical or engineering contexts.
Repair work is being carried out on the quay wall.
A quay specifically for passenger ships or ferries.
A quay used for loading and unloading cargo, often with large cranes and containers.
埠頭 (ふとう) is the standard modern term for a quay or wharf. 波止場 (はとば) is more literary and often used in songs or novels. 岸壁 (がんぺき) refers specifically to the vertical wall of a quay and is common in engineering contexts.
If you mean a wooden pier or jetty extending into the water (often for small boats or fishing), 桟橋 (さんばし) is more appropriate than 埠頭. 埠頭 usually implies a larger, solid structure for ships.
It's a 10-minute walk to the ferry quay.
Unloading operations are taking place at the cargo quay.