漁船

ぎょせん

fishing boat

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "漁船" (ぎょせん) specifically refers to a boat used for fishing. It is a compound of "漁" (fishing) and "船" (boat). This term is commonly used in contexts related to the fishing industry, maritime activities, and coastal communities.

Common Contexts

漁船 is often mentioned when discussing fishing operations, the number of boats in a fleet, or the conditions and risks associated with fishing at sea. It is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 漁船が出る (ぎょせんがでる): the fishing boat departs or goes out to sea.
  • 漁船の数 (ぎょせんのかず): the number of fishing boats.
  • 漁船での作業 (ぎょせんでのさぎょう): work on a fishing boat.

Usage Notes

When using 漁船, it is important to distinguish it from other types of boats or ships. For example, "船" alone can mean any boat or ship, but "漁船" specifically indicates a fishing vessel. Learners sometimes confuse 漁船 with 漁師 (fisherman), but 漁船 refers to the boat, not the person.

Register and Politeness

漁船 is a standard noun without any particular politeness level. It is appropriate in news reports, documentaries, and everyday conversation about fishing.

Example Sentences

ぎょせんがあさはやくみなとをしゅっぱつした。

The fishing boat departed from the port early in the morning.

ぎょせんのかずがへって、ぎょぎょうにえいきょうがでている。

The number of fishing boats has decreased, affecting the fishing industry.

ぎょせんでのさぎょうはきけんがともなうことがおおい。

Work on fishing boats often involves risks.