Translation guide
The English word 'submarine' can refer to a military or research vessel, a type of sandwich, or a color. This guide focuses on the most common meaning: the underwater vessel.
潜水艦
submarine (vessel)
A watercraft capable of independent operation underwater, especially a military submarine.
The standard word for a submarine (military or research). Literally 'diving warship'.
潜水艦が港に入ってきた。
A submarine came into the port.
彼は潜水艦の艦長だ。
He is the captain of a submarine.
Loanword from English. Often used in sports (e.g., a submarine pitch in baseball) or in brand names, but can refer to the vessel in casual contexts.
彼はサブマリン投法で有名だ。
He is famous for his submarine pitching style.
A smaller submersible, often for research or exploration. Not typically used for large military submarines.
深海探査用の潜航艇が開発された。
A submersible for deep-sea exploration was developed.
A long sandwich filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, etc.
The most direct translation, often shortened to サブマリン in context. Recognizable in Japan, especially in sandwich shops.
ランチにサブマリンサンドを食べた。
I ate a submarine sandwich for lunch.
Generic word for sandwich. Use this if the specific shape is not important, but add description if needed.
長いサンドイッチを買った。
I bought a long sandwich (like a submarine).
A shade of blue or gray, often used in fashion or design.
Used in fashion contexts to describe a deep, muted blue-gray reminiscent of naval submarines.
このジャケットはサブマリンカラーだ。
This jacket is submarine-colored.
While サブマリン is understood, 潜水艦 is the proper term for a military submarine. Using サブマリン might sound like you're talking about a baseball pitch or a sandwich.