Translation guide
The English word 'sail' can be a noun (the fabric on a boat) or a verb (to travel by boat, to move smoothly, or to begin a voyage). This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the large piece of material that catches the wind on a sailboat or ship.
The standard word for a sail. Used for traditional and modern sailing vessels.
船の帆が風をはらんでいる。
The ship's sails are filled with wind.
Loanword from English, often used in modern or recreational sailing contexts.
Hoist the yacht's sail.
Describing the action of going on a voyage or traveling over water in a vessel.
Means 'to sail' or 'to navigate' in the sense of a sea voyage. Often used for longer journeys.
They sailed across the Pacific Ocean.
More general term for sailing or navigating a vessel, including ships and boats.
The ship is sailing in Tokyo Bay.
Literally 'go by boat', a simple and common way to express traveling by ship.
We sailed to the island.
Specifically means 'to sail' using sails, as opposed to engine power. More technical.
The yacht is sailing in the bay.
Referring to the beginning of a journey by ship, often with a sense of setting off.
Describing a gliding motion, often used figuratively for people or objects moving effortlessly.
Informal usage meaning to throw something with force or casually.
The noun 帆 (ほ) only means the physical sail. To say 'to sail' as a verb, use verbs like 航海する or 航行する. Saying 帆する is incorrect.
航海する (こうかいする) implies a voyage or journey, often across seas. 航行する (こうこうする) is more about the act of navigating or cruising, and can be used for shorter trips or in technical contexts.
We sailed from Yokohama to San Francisco.
The ship sails at noon.
She sailed through her exams.
Figurative use: 'sail through' meaning to pass easily. 楽々と (らくらくと) means 'with ease'.
He sailed into the venue with style.
He sailed the book onto the desk.