German word

Kai

Pronunciation

IPA/kaɪ̯/

Meaning

  • masculine nounquay

Example

Die Kais sind heute gesperrt.

The quays are closed today.

Illustration for Kai (quay)

More examples

Das Schiff liegt am Kai.

The ship is moored at the quay.

Core concept

A raised stone strip along a harbor where vessels come alongside.

Common phrases

  • am Kai

    at the quay

  • am Kai liegen

    lie at the quay

  • am Kai entlang

    along the quay

Similar words

Hafen: A harbor facility or area where ships arrive, depart, or lie at anchor.
Pier: A walkway projecting from shore that people and boats can use.
Anleger: A dock where boats load or unload passengers and light cargo.
Steg: A slim walkway from shore mainly used by pedestrians and small boats.

Definition in German

Am Ufer gelegene, zum Anlegen und Beladen von Schiffen bestimmte Mauer oder Plattform.

Word origin

The German noun Kai comes from French quai, while English quay is a related borrowing from the same French word.

Usage tips

  • German Kai is pronounced like English "sky" without the s, unlike English quay, which is pronounced like "key".

Other meanings

  • wharfnoun

Word lists with this word