Translation guide
The act of pulling a vehicle, ship, or other object using a rope, chain, or another vehicle.
Expressing that a vehicle is being pulled by another vehicle, typically due to breakdown or illegal parking.
General term for towing or pulling. Used for vehicles, trailers, etc. Can be used as a noun or combined with する to form a verb.
故障車を牽引する。
Tow a broken-down car.
牽引免許が必要です。
A towing license is required.
Specifically refers to towing by a tow truck (レッカー車), often for illegally parked cars. Commonly seen on warning signs.
駐車違反でレッカー移動された。
My car was towed for illegal parking.
Alternate kanji form of 牽引, less common but still used.
Expressing that a vessel is being pulled by another vessel, such as a tugboat.
Expressing that a trailer is being pulled by a vehicle.
Standard phrase for towing a trailer. 牽引 is the verb.
キャンピングトレーラーを牽引して旅行する。
Travel while towing a camping trailer.
Expressing that a person is being pulled by a vehicle or boat for sport.
Expressing that a vehicle is removed by authorities, often for parking violations.
Passive form, meaning 'to be towed away'. Very common for parking enforcement.
違法駐車でレッカー移動された。
I got towed for illegal parking.
牽引 (けんいん) is the general term for towing or pulling, used for vehicles, trailers, and sometimes ships. 曳航 (えいこう) is specifically for towing vessels. レッカー移動 (レッカーいどう) refers to towing by a tow truck, often for parking enforcement.
While 引っ張る (ひっぱる) means 'to pull', it sounds too casual and physical for towing a car. Use 牽引する instead.
故障車をけん引する。
Tow a broken-down car.
Specifically for towing ships or boats. Used as a noun or with する.
タグボートが貨物船を曳航する。
The tugboat tows the cargo ship.
Can also be used for ships, but 曳航 is more precise.
船を牽引する。
Tow a boat.
General verb meaning 'to pull'. Used for towing a person behind a boat or vehicle.
ボートで人を引っ張る。
Tow a person behind a boat.
Can also be used for towing a person, but 引っ張る is more common in casual contexts.
水上スキーで牽引される。
Be towed on water skis.
Literally 'have one's car removed'. Used in official contexts.
放置車両は撤去されます。
Abandoned vehicles will be removed.