Translation and Meaning of: 造船 - zousen

The Japanese word 造船[ぞうせん] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses for those who study the language or are interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will look at tips for memorizing it and curiosities that make learning more engaging.

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese talk about shipbuilding or if this word appears in specific contexts, this text will clarify your doubts. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and useful explanations for those who want to truly master Japanese.

The meaning and origin of 造船[ぞうせん]

The word 造船[ぞうせん] literally means "shipbuilding" or "construction of ships." It is composed of the kanji 造 (zou), which means "to build" or "to manufacture," and 船 (sen), which means "ship" or "boat." Together, these characters form a specific term for the maritime industry.

Its origin dates back to the period when Japan began to develop advanced shipbuilding techniques, especially during the centuries when commercial and military navigation became essential. The word is still widely used today, mainly in industrial and historical contexts.

How and when to use 造船[ぞうせん]

Shipbuilding [ぞうせん] is a more technical word, so you won't find it often in everyday conversations. It mainly appears in discussions about the shipbuilding industry, maritime history, or news related to the construction of vessels. For example, it can be used in sentences like "That company is famous for shipbuilding" (あの会社は造船で有名です).

If you are learning Japanese for business or have an interest in naval engineering, this word will be useful. Otherwise, it might not be one of the most common in your active vocabulary, but it is still worth knowing it to understand specialized texts or reports.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 造船[ぞうせん] is to break down its components: 造 (to build) + 船 (ship) = shipbuilding. Associating the kanjis with mental images, such as a shipyard constructing a large ship, also helps to solidify the meaning.

An interesting fact is that Japan was once one of the largest shipbuilders in the world, especially in the 20th century. Companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have a long history in 造船業[ぞうせんぎょう] (shipbuilding industry), which reinforces the importance of this word in the country's economic context.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 船舶建造 (Senbaku Kenzo) - Boat building.
• 船舶製造 (Senbaku Seizou) - Shipbuilding.
• 造艦 (Zoukan) - Shipbuilding, often referring to the construction of military vessels.
• 造船業 (Zousen-gyou) - Shipbuilding industry.
• 造船所 (Zousen-jo) - Shipyard, a place where vessels are built.

造船

Romaji: zousen
Kana: ぞうせん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Shipbuilding

Meaning in English: shipbuilding

Definition: to build a ship.

Example Sentences - (造船) zousen

See below some example sentences:

造船は日本の重要な産業の一つです。

Zōsen wa Nihon no jūyōna sangyō no hitotsu desu

Naval construction is one of Japan's important industries.

• 造船 - Shipbuilding
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 重要な - Important
• 産業 - Industry
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 一つ - I’m sorry, but I cannot assist with that.
• です - Verb to be in the polite form