Harbor, Port
みなと (minato)
Interesting Fact
During the Edo period, Osaka became a huge center for collecting and distributing rice. Rice from different parts of Japan arrived by ship and was traded through the city's extensive network of waterways and warehouses. This helped Osaka earn the nickname “Tenka no Daidokoro” (the nation's kitchen). Its port and waterways were essential to this system. So when you see 港, imagine wooden cargo boats arriving with rice from across Japan—one harbor helping feed an entire country.
Memory Trick
“Everyone, come to the WATER—the ship has arrived!” 👥 People gather together at the waterfront to welcome the ship and unload its cargo. 氵 + 共 = water + together → 港 = HARBOR!
Readings
Onyomi: コウ (kou)
Kunyomi: みなと (minato)
Example Words
Example Sentence
港には多くの船があります。
みなと には おおく の ふね が あります。
minato ni wa ooku no fune ga arimasu
There are many ships at the harbor.