1.
submarine
A watercraft capable of operating underwater. Used primarily in military contexts, but also for research and exploration vessels.
潜水艦が浮上した。
The submarine surfaced.
原子力潜水艦は長期間潜航できる。
Nuclear submarines can remain submerged for extended periods.
深海調査用の潜水艦で海底の様子を観察した。
They observed the ocean floor using a deep-sea research submarine.
USAGE:
The standard word for submarine in Japanese. Can refer to both military and civilian research vessels. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force operates a fleet of conventional (non-nuclear) submarines.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 原子力潜水艦 (nuclear submarine)
- 潜水艦が潜航する (a submarine dives/submerges)
- 潜水艦が浮上する (a submarine surfaces)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 潜水艇: submersible (smaller, for research)
- 軍艦: warship (general term)