ボート

• Reading: ボート
• Romaji: booto
• Pronunciation: /boː.to/

Meaning

Boat; a small watercraft, especially a rowing boat.

A loanword from English 'boat.' In Japanese, typically refers to small boats, rowboats, or recreational watercraft rather than large ships (which are 船 fune or 船舶 senpaku). Common phrases: ボートに乗る (bōto ni noru, to ride a boat), ボートレース (bōto-rēsu, boat race). Also used for competitive rowing.

Examples

1. 湖でボートに乗って遊んだ。 We had fun riding a boat on the lake.
2. 公園の池でボートを漕いだことがある。 I've rowed a boat on the pond in the park before.
3. ボートレースを見に友達と出かけた。 I went out with friends to watch a boat race.

Usage Guide

Context: leisure, sports, outdoors

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'boat.' Entered Japanese during the late 19th century as Western recreational activities became popular.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal