Translation guide
The English word 'sailor' can refer to a professional seafarer, a member of a navy, or someone who enjoys sailing as a sport or hobby. Japanese uses different words depending on the context, and the most natural choice varies by formality and setting.
Referring to someone who works on a ship as a crew member, especially in commercial shipping or fishing.
General term for a ship's crew member, including sailors, officers, and engineers. Neutral and widely used.
He works as a sailor on a cargo ship.
Specifically a deckhand or ordinary seaman, often used in historical or traditional contexts. Less common in modern speech.
Formal or legal term for a mariner or seafarer, often used in official documents or unions.
Referring to a sailor in a military navy, regardless of rank.
Referring to someone who sails for sport or leisure, often on a yacht or small boat.
Referring to the romanticized or stereotypical image of a sailor, often in stories, songs, or fashion.
船員 is the most common and neutral term for any crew member. 水夫 is an older word for a deckhand and may sound outdated. 海員 is formal and often used in legal or union contexts.
Sailors' salaries are so-so.
その水夫はロープを結ぶのが上手だ。
That sailor is good at tying ropes.
Join the seamen's union.
Standard term for an enlisted sailor in the navy. Commonly used in news and everyday speech.
He is a sailor in the navy.
Broader term for any naval service member, including officers. More formal.
He has pride as a naval sailor.
Loanword from English, commonly used for recreational sailors, especially in yachting or dinghy sailing. Also used in 'セーラー服' (sailor uniform).
On weekends, he goes out to sea as a sailor.
Specifically a yachtsman, someone who sails yachts. Common in sailing communities.
He is an experienced sailor (yachtsman).
Evokes a traditional, often romantic image of a sailor. Used in tales, songs, and casual speech.
He looks like a sailor from an old tale.
Also used for the stereotypical sailor image, especially in fashion (sailor collar, etc.).
A girl wearing a sailor uniform.
While セーラー is understood, it primarily refers to recreational sailors or the fashion style. For navy personnel, use 水兵 or 海軍軍人 to avoid confusion.