also: とうせん
noun
Chinese ship; ship from China
Historical term for a ship that came from China, especially during the medieval period.
鎌倉時代、唐船が博多に到着した。
During the Kamakura period, a Chinese ship arrived at Hakata.
noun
Chinese-style ship; ship built in Chinese style
Refers to a ship constructed using Chinese shipbuilding techniques, regardless of origin.
この絵巻には唐船の構造が詳しく描かれている。
This picture scroll depicts the structure of a Chinese-style ship in detail.
noun
Japanese ship trading with China
Specifically a Japanese ship that engaged in trade with China during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods.
室町時代、多くの唐船が日明貿易に従事した。
During the Muromachi period, many Japanese ships engaged in trade with Ming China.
遣唐使船 were official diplomatic ships sent to Tang China, while 唐船 is a broader term for Chinese or Chinese-style ships, including trade vessels.
Compound of 唐 (kara, 'China' or 'foreign') and 船 (fune, 'ship'). The reading からふね is a kun'yomi compound, while とうせん is the on'yomi reading.