Meaning

Primary

Harbor

Alternative

Port

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.

Reading

みなと
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a single kanji with no okurigana, so it's using the kun'yomi reading. You don't know this reading yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

You go down to the harbor and speak the secret password me natto (みなと) to buy some fresh natto. Imagine the salty air hitting your face as you whisper, "me natto." Now eat that yummy natto by the water! Mmmm!

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 港にいる

    to be located at the harbor

    港にもどる

    to return to the harbor

    港に入る

    to enter the harbor

Context Sentences

ベラクルスという港町に行ってみたいです。

I would like to visit the port city of Veracruz.

ごう雨のため、港への道は通行止めになっています。

Due to heavy rain, the road to the harbor is closed.

不思議な船が港に漂着した。

There was a mysterious ship drifting in the harbor.

Kanji Composition