船舶

せんぱく

ship

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Understanding 船舶 (chuán bó)

The term 船舶 refers broadly to ships and vessels, especially those used for commercial or large-scale maritime purposes. It is a formal and technical word often used in contexts related to shipping industries, maritime transport, and shipbuilding.

Usage and Context

船舶 is commonly used in business, legal, and technical discussions about maritime activities. It encompasses all types of ships, from cargo vessels to passenger ships, emphasizing their role in transportation and commerce.

Common Collocations

  • 船舶运输 (shipping transport): refers to the transportation of goods or passengers by ship.
  • 船舶制造 (shipbuilding): the industry or process of constructing ships.
  • 船舶事故 (ship accident): incidents involving ships, often with safety or environmental implications.

Nuances and Tips

When using 船舶, the tone is formal and often appears in written or professional contexts rather than casual conversation. It differs from (chuán), which simply means 'boat' or 'ship' and is more general and informal. Avoid confusing 船舶 with , which also means ships but is less formal and more common in everyday speech.

Understanding 船舶 helps learners engage with topics related to maritime industries, international trade, and environmental issues involving ships.

Example Sentences

The company's ships are mainly used for international trade transportation.

The shipbuilding industry is one of the key industries in coastal areas.

A ship accident caused significant environmental pollution.