Translation guide
A ferryboat is a boat that carries people, vehicles, or goods across a body of water on a regular route. In Japanese, the most common word is フェリー, but there are also traditional terms like 渡し船 and 連絡船 depending on context.
A modern ferry that transports passengers and often cars, trucks, or trains across water.
The most common and neutral word for a modern ferry, especially one that carries vehicles. Used in everyday conversation and signage.
明日、フェリーで北海道に行きます。
Tomorrow I'm going to Hokkaido by ferry.
このフェリーは車も運べます。
This ferry can also carry cars.
Specifically a car ferry. Used when emphasizing that vehicles are transported.
カーフェリーに乗って島へ渡りました。
We crossed to the island on a car ferry.
A small boat that ferries people across a river or short distance, often manually operated or with a simple motor.
A traditional ferryboat, often a small wooden boat used to cross rivers or short distances. Evokes a nostalgic or rural image.
昔はこの川に渡し船があった。
In the old days, there was a ferryboat on this river.
Short for 渡し船. Can refer to the ferry service or the boat itself. Often used in place names.
A ferry that connects with railways or major transport routes, often historically important.
A ferry that connects with train lines or other transport networks. Historically used for major routes like the one between Honshu and Hokkaido before the Seikan Tunnel.
青函連絡船は1988年に廃止されました。
The Seikan ferry was discontinued in 1988.
Referring to the ferry system or line rather than a specific boat.
Also used for the service or route. Context makes it clear.
このフェリーは1日3便運航しています。
This ferry runs three times a day.
Ferry service/flight. Used when talking about schedules or specific departures.
最終のフェリー便に間に合わなかった。
We missed the last ferry.
フェリー is the general modern term, often implying a large vessel that carries vehicles. 渡し船 is a small, often traditional boat for short crossings. 連絡船 specifically refers to a ferry that connects with rail or other transport networks, now mostly historical.
東京湾フェリーに乗った。
I rode the Tokyo Bay Ferry.
渡し船で川を渡る。
Cross the river by ferryboat.
昔は連絡船で四国へ行った。
In the past, we went to Shikoku by ferry (connecting with trains).
The direct loanword フェリーボート exists but is much less common than フェリー. It may sound unnatural or overly literal. Stick with フェリー.
フェリーで島へ行きました。
We took the ferry to the island.
川に渡し船があります。
There's a small ferry across the river.
Take the ferry to the opposite bank.