1.
wharf; pier; quay; dock
A structure built along a waterfront where ships can load and unload cargo or passengers. Often evokes an atmospheric, slightly nostalgic image of port towns.
波止場に船が停まっている。
A ship is moored at the wharf.
波止場で魚釣りをしている人がいた。
There were people fishing at the pier.
夕暮れの波止場を散歩するのが好きだ。
I like strolling along the wharf at dusk.
USAGE:
A somewhat literary or evocative word. In everyday speech, 港 (port, harbor) is more common. 波止場 often appears in literature, songs, and nostalgic descriptions of port towns.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 波止場で待つ (to wait at the wharf)
- 波止場の風景 (wharf scenery)
- 波止場で働く (to work at the docks)
WORD FORMATION:
波止 (breakwater) + 場 (place). 波止 comes from 波 (wave) + 止める (to stop).