Translation guide
The English word "voyage" refers to a long journey, especially by sea or in space. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 航海 (koukai) for sea voyages, while 旅 (tabi) is a general word for travel. For space voyages, 宇宙旅行 (uchuu ryokou) or 宇宙飛行 (uchuu hikou) are used. The choice depends on the mode of travel and context.
A long journey by ship or boat
The standard term for a sea voyage or navigation. Used for both historical and modern contexts.
彼は長い航海に出た。
He set out on a long voyage.
その船は太平洋を航海した。
The ship voyaged across the Pacific Ocean.
Literally 'boat trip', often used for pleasure cruises or travel by ship, emphasizing the experience rather than navigation.
船旅はゆったりしていて好きです。
I like voyages because they are relaxing.
Refers to a sea route or passage. Can be used in contexts like 'the voyage from A to B'.
その航路は危険だった。
That voyage was dangerous.
A journey into outer space
Space travel, often used for tourism or general travel beyond Earth.
宇宙旅行が現実になりつつある。
Space voyages are becoming a reality.
Space flight, emphasizing the act of flying in space, often used for missions.
General word for journey; can be used poetically for space voyages, e.g., 宇宙への旅 (uchuu e no tabi).
A long journey of personal growth or exploration
Used metaphorically for life's journey or a voyage of discovery.
人生は長い旅だ。
Life is a long voyage.
自己発見の旅に出る。
Embark on a voyage of self-discovery.
Adventure; can imply a voyage with excitement and risk.
航海 (koukai) focuses on the act of navigating a ship, often with a sense of purpose or challenge. 船旅 (funatabi) emphasizes the experience of traveling by ship, like a cruise. Use 航海 for historical or arduous voyages, and 船旅 for leisurely trips.
航海 is specifically for sea voyages. For space, use 宇宙旅行 or 宇宙飛行. For metaphorical journeys, 旅 is more natural.
彼は初の宇宙飛行に成功した。
He succeeded in his first space voyage.
This is a long voyage to the stars.
彼の人生は冒険の連続だった。
His life was a continuous voyage of adventure.