港 — meaning in English: Harbor

minato · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for harbour

若者

wakamono

コテージ

kotēji

夜

yoru

売上高

uriagedaka

港

minato

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 港 (minato) when discussing maritime activities, such as shipping or fishing. You might hear it in conversations about vacation plans involving a coastal city, or when referring to a specific port during a travel itinerary.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 港湾 (こうわん, kouan), which emphasizes a more technical or commercial aspect of a harbor. However, 港 (minato) is more commonly used in casual contexts, like discussing a city’s harbor or a picturesque coastal view.

Culture

The word 港 (minato) has historical significance in Japan, where many cities developed around natural harbors that facilitated trade and cultural exchange. Interestingly, the character itself combines 'water' (水) and 'place' (場), symbolizing a place by the water, which reflects the vital role harbors played in Japan's economy and society.

FAQ

Q.What does 港 (minato) mean in English?

港 (minato) translates to 'harbor' in English, referring to a place where ships dock and transfer cargo or passengers. It is essential in maritime contexts.

Q.How is 港 (minato) used in conversation?

You can use 港 (minato) when talking about travel, such as 'We arrived at the港 (minato) to catch our ferry.' It perfectly fits discussions about coastal cities or maritime activities.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 港 (minato)?

A common mistake is confusing 港 (minato) with 陸 (りく, riku), which means 'land.' Remember that 港 is specifically related to waterways and docks, while 陸 refers to terrestrial settings.

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