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.
彼は船員として貨物船で働いている。
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.
Standard term for an enlisted sailor in the navy. Commonly used in news and everyday speech.
彼は海軍の水兵です。
He is a sailor in the navy.
Broader term for any naval service member, including officers. More formal.
海軍軍人としての誇りを持っている。
He has pride as a naval sailor.
Referring to someone who sails for sport or leisure, often on a yacht or small boat.
Loanword from English, commonly used for recreational sailors, especially in yachting or dinghy sailing. Also used in 'セーラー服' (sailor uniform).
週末はセーラーとして海に出かける。
On weekends, he goes out to sea as a sailor.
Specifically a yachtsman, someone who sails yachts. Common in sailing communities.
彼は経験豊富なヨットマンだ。
He is an experienced sailor (yachtsman).
Referring to the romanticized or stereotypical image of a sailor, often in stories, songs, or fashion.
Evokes a traditional, often romantic image of a sailor. Used in tales, songs, and casual speech.
彼はまるで昔話の船乗りのようだ。
He looks like a sailor from an old tale.
Also used for the stereotypical sailor image, especially in fashion (sailor collar, etc.).
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 水夫 is an older word for a deckhand and may sound outdated.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.
船員の給料はまあまあだ。
Sailors' salaries are so-so.
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.
That sailor is good at tying ropes.
Join the seamen's union.
セーラー服を着た女の子。
A girl wearing a sailor uniform.