also: おぶね
small boat
Refers to a small watercraft, often rowed or sailed, typically for short distances or fishing. Can carry a slightly literary or poetic tone compared to 小型船.
We enjoyed fishing, floating a small boat on the lake.
A small boat slowly went down the river.
The fisherman rode a small boat out to sea.
He was rowing a small boat on the lake.
In the storm, the small boat rocked violently in the waves.
ボート is a loanword for a small boat, often a rowboat or recreational craft, while 小舟 carries a more native, sometimes literary or traditional nuance.
小舟 is a small boat, whereas 大船 is a large ship, the direct opposite in size.
counter for small boats
Standard kanji spelling; high frequency in news and general use.
Rare reading; restricted to 小舟. Not commonly used in modern Japanese.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common than 小舟.
Compound of 小 (small) and 舟 (boat). The reading こぶね is the standard kun'yomi combination; おぶね is a rare alternative reading of the same kanji.