Japanese word

港

Pronunciation

Romajiminato

Meaning

  • nounharbor

Example

この港は大きいです。ko no minato wa ō ki i de su

This harbor is large.

Illustration for 港 (harbor)

More examples

夕方、船が港を出ます。yū gata fune ga minato o de ma su

In the evening, the ship leaves the harbor.

Core concept

Refers to a waterside place where vessels can enter, stay protected from waves, and move people or goods.

Common phrases

  • 港を出るminato o de ru

    leave the harbor

  • 港に着くminato ni tsu ku

    arrive at the harbor

  • 港に入るminato ni hai ru

    enter the harbor

Similar words

波止場hatoba: A place at the water's edge where boats stop to load or unload people or goods.

Definition in Japanese

船が安全に出入りし、荷物の積み降ろしなどを行う海や川の岸辺の場所。fune ga an zen ni de i ri shi ni motsu no tsu mi o ro shi na do o okona u umi ya kawa no kishi be no ba sho

Word origin

The native Japanese word 港 (minato, "harbor") has no firmly settled etymology, but its traditional association with 水門 (minato, "water gate") suggests a gateway for vessels.

Usage tips

  • In English, harbor often stresses shelter and port often stresses shipping activity, while 港 (minato) can cover both in everyday Japanese.

Other meanings

  • portnoun

Word lists with this word