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.
Tow a broken-down car.
Specifically refers to towing by a tow truck (レッカー車), often for illegally parked cars. Commonly seen on warning signs.
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.
Specifically for towing ships or boats. Used as a noun or with する.
Expressing that a trailer is being pulled by a vehicle.
Standard phrase for towing a trailer. 牽引 is the verb.
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.
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.
A towing license is required.
故障車をけん引する。
Tow a broken-down car.
The tugboat tows the cargo ship.
Can also be used for ships, but 曳航 is more precise.
Tow a boat.
Travel while towing a camping trailer.
General verb meaning 'to pull'. Used for towing a person behind a boat or vehicle.
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.
Be towed on water skis.
I got towed for illegal parking.
Literally 'have one's car removed'. Used in official contexts.
Abandoned vehicles will be removed.