Translation guide
The event of a ship being destroyed or sunk, or the remains of a wrecked ship. Japanese distinguishes between the event, the wreckage, and the act of being shipwrecked.
Referring to the disaster or accident in which a ship is wrecked.
General term for a shipwreck as an event. Used in news and formal contexts.
その船は嵐で難破した。
The ship was wrecked in a storm.
Maritime accident, often used in official reports. Broader than just shipwrecks.
昨夜、沖合で海難事故が発生した。
A maritime accident occurred offshore last night.
Sinking of a ship. Focuses on the ship going under water.
タイタニック号の沈没は有名だ。
The sinking of the Titanic is famous.
Referring to the physical wreckage, often underwater.
A wrecked ship; the remains of a shipwreck. Commonly used for sunken ships.
ダイバーが海底で難破船を見つけた。
The diver found a shipwreck on the ocean floor.
A sunken ship. Emphasizes that the ship is underwater.
Wreckage or debris, not limited to ships. Can be used for scattered remains.
Describing a person who survives or experiences a shipwreck.
Verb meaning 'to be shipwrecked' or 'to suffer a shipwreck'. Used for ships or people.
彼は若い頃に難破して無人島に漂着した。
He was shipwrecked in his youth and washed up on a deserted island.
To meet with a disaster (at sea or in mountains). Broader than shipwreck.
船が遭難して乗組員は救助を待った。
The ship was in distress and the crew awaited rescue.
The English loanword シップレック is not commonly used in Japanese. Use native terms like 難破 or 難破船 instead.
There are many sunken ships in this area.
海岸に船の残骸が打ち上げられた。
The wreckage of the ship washed up on the shore.