also: とうせん
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.
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.
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.
Standard kanji spelling; the reading からふね is the most common for this historical term.
Alternate on'yomi reading, less common but attested in historical contexts.
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.