Translation guide
The English word "basin" can refer to a bowl-shaped container, a geographical drainage area, a sheltered body of water, or a geological depression. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese word for each meaning.
A bowl-shaped container for holding water, especially for washing hands or face.
A washbasin or washbowl, typically a portable bowl used for washing the face. Common in households and traditional settings.
洗面器にお湯を入れてください。
Please put hot water in the washbasin.
A bathroom sink or washstand, often a fixed unit with a basin and faucet. More modern and built-in than 洗面器.
洗面台の水が止まらない。
The water in the bathroom sink won't stop.
Literally 'hand-washing', but can refer to a washbasin or restroom sink. Often used in public facilities.
手洗いの水が冷たい。
The water in the washbasin is cold.
A kitchen sink or basin for washing dishes. Not typically used for a bathroom basin.
流しに食器を置いておいて。
Leave the dishes in the sink.
The land area drained by a river and its tributaries.
A river basin or drainage basin. The standard geographical term.
アマゾン川流域は広大だ。
The Amazon River basin is vast.
A basin-shaped geographical depression, often surrounded by mountains. Can refer to a river basin in a valley context.
A sheltered area of water where boats can moor, often within a harbor.
An anchorage or basin within a harbor where ships can moor. Nautical term.
船は泊地に停泊している。
The ship is anchored in the basin.
A boat basin or small craft harbor. More casual than 泊地.
A large-scale depression in the Earth's surface, often filled with sediment.
A basin or valley surrounded by mountains. Also used in geology for sedimentary basins.
この地域は堆積盆地だ。
This area is a sedimentary basin.
An ocean basin. Technical term used in marine geology.
The English loanword ボウル (bōru) usually means a mixing bowl or serving bowl, not a bathroom basin. Use 洗面器 or 洗面台 instead.
Many rivers flow through the Kyoto Basin.
漁船が船だまりに戻ってきた。
The fishing boats returned to the basin.
The Pacific Ocean basin is vast.