Translation guide
The right side of a ship or aircraft when facing forward. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific nautical terms, but in everyday contexts, a simple directional phrase is more common.
The right-hand side of a vessel or aircraft when facing the bow (front).
Standard nautical term for starboard. Used in maritime and aviation contexts.
船の右舷に浮かぶブイが見えます。
You can see a buoy floating on the starboard side of the ship.
General term for 'right side'. Can be used in casual or non-technical descriptions of a ship's orientation.
Literally 'right side in the direction of travel'. Used when clarity is needed, but it's wordy.
進行方向右側に注意してください。
Please pay attention to the starboard side.
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers rarely use 右舷 (うげん). Instead, they simply say 右側 (みぎがわ) or use a phrase like 船の右側 (ふねのみぎがわ). Reserve 右舷 for formal or technical discussions about ships or aircraft.
フェリーの右側から島が見えた。
We saw the island from the starboard side of the ferry.