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

  • 港の一つ

    one of the harbors

    港の近く

    near the harbor

    港の入り口

    entrance to the harbor

Context Sentences

この町には港もあるし、電車も通ってます。

There is a harbor in this town, and there are train lines running through it.

台風が来たら、港には近づかないで下さい。

Don't approach the port when a typhoon comes.

不思議な船が港に漂着した。

There was a mysterious ship drifting in the harbor.

Kanji Composition