船 — meaning in English: ferry

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

Guess the translation for boat

互动

hùdòng

索赔

suǒpéi

面料

miànliào

船

chuán

叛军

pàn jūn

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 船 (chuán) when discussing transportation over water, especially in contexts like ferrying passengers or goods between islands or across rivers. For example, you might hear it used when planning a trip to a scenic area that requires taking a ferry to reach a beautiful island getaway.

Synonyms & nuances

While 船 (chuán) generally refers to a boat or ferry, the word 轮船 (lúnchuán) specifically denotes a steamboat or larger vessel. You would opt for 船 (chuán) when talking about smaller ferries or boats, while 轮船 (lúnchuán) conveys a sense of larger maritime vehicles.

Culture

The character 船 (chuán) has a rich historical background, as boats have been vital to Chinese culture since ancient times, particularly for trade and travel along the country's many rivers. Interestingly, the word also embodies a sense of adventure and exploration, reflecting the ancient Chinese spirit of navigating vast waters to connect with other lands.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 船 in English?

船 (chuán) translates to 'ferry' or 'boat' in English, typically used for various types of watercraft, especially those that transport people and goods.

Q.How do you use 船 in a sentence?

You can use 船 (chuán) in a sentence like '我们坐船去海边吧' (Wǒmen zuò chuán qù hǎibiān ba), which means 'Let's take a ferry to the beach.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 船?

One common mistake is using 船 (chuán) interchangeably with 船只 (chuán zhī), which refers specifically to a watercraft but in a broader sense. It's important to remember that 船 (chuán) can refer to any type of boat or ferry.

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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000