Translation guide
The English word 'sail' can be a noun (the fabric on a boat) or a verb (to travel by boat, to move smoothly, or to begin a voyage). This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the large piece of material that catches the wind on a sailboat or ship.
The standard word for a sail. Used for traditional and modern sailing vessels.
船の帆が風をはらんでいる。
The ship's sails are filled with wind.
Loanword from English, often used in modern or recreational sailing contexts.
ヨットのセールを張る。
Hoist the yacht's sail.
Describing the action of going on a voyage or traveling over water in a vessel.
Means 'to sail' or 'to navigate' in the sense of a sea voyage. Often used for longer journeys.
彼らは太平洋を航海した。
They sailed across the Pacific Ocean.
More general term for sailing or navigating a vessel, including ships and boats.
その船は東京湾を航行している。
The ship is sailing in Tokyo Bay.
Literally 'go by boat', a simple and common way to express traveling by ship.
私たちは船で島に行った。
We sailed to the island.
Specifically means 'to sail' using sails, as opposed to engine power. More technical.
ヨットが湾内を帆走している。
The yacht is sailing in the bay.
Referring to the beginning of a journey by ship, often with a sense of setting off.
Means 'to set sail' or 'depart' (of a ship). Commonly used for scheduled departures.
フェリーは明日の朝、出航します。
The ferry sails tomorrow morning.
Literally 'set sail', emphasizing the hoisting of sails. Somewhat literary or traditional.
船は一路、南へ出帆した。
The ship set sail straight for the south.
Describing a gliding motion, often used figuratively for people or objects moving effortlessly.
A common phrase meaning 'to glide' or 'move smoothly', capturing the graceful motion of sailing.
彼女は滑るように部屋を横切った。
She sailed across the room.
Means to move in a dashing or gallant manner, often with a sense of elegance. More literary.
彼は颯爽と会場に入ってきた。
He sailed into the venue with style.
Informal usage meaning to throw something with force or casually.
The general verb for 'throw'. Can be used in casual contexts similar to 'sail' (e.g., sail a ball).
彼はボールを遠くに投げた。
He sailed the ball far away.
Means 'to throw' or 'to fling', often casually. Can imply a careless toss.
The noun 帆 (ほ) only means the physical sail. To say 'to sail' as a verb, use verbs like 航海する or 航行する. Saying 帆する is incorrect.
航海する (こうかいする) implies a voyage or journey, often across seas. 航行する (こうこうする) is more about the act of navigating or cruising, and can be used for shorter trips or in technical contexts.
私たちは横浜からサンフランシスコまで航海した。
We sailed from Yokohama to San Francisco.
船は正午に出航します。
The ship sails at noon.
彼女は試験を楽々と通過した。
She sailed through her exams.
Figurative use: 'sail through' meaning to pass easily. 楽々と (らくらくと) means 'with ease'.
He sailed the book onto the desk.