The Kanji: 艦 (Kan)
The kanji 艦 specifically means "warship" or "naval vessel." It combines 舟 (boat) with 監 (oversee), depicting an armed vessel designed for military surveillance and combat. This character exclusively refers to military ships.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 軍艦 (gunkan) - Warship
港に軍艦が停泊中だ。
"A warship is docked in the harbor."
2. 艦隊 (kantai) - Fleet
自衛隊の艦隊が訓練する。
"The Self-Defense Force fleet is training."
3. 旗艦 (kikan) - Flagship
空母が旗艦を務める。
"The aircraft carrier serves as flagship."
4. 艦長 (kanchō) - Captain
艦長が命令を下す。
"The captain gives orders."
In summary, 艦 is a specialized kanji describing naval military assets - from individual warships (軍艦) and their formations (艦隊) to command structures (旗艦, 艦長). It's essential for military and maritime contexts.