Meaning and Role
The word '선장' specifically refers to the captain of a ship or boat. This person holds the highest authority on board and is responsible for navigation, safety, and overall management of the vessel.
Usage in Context
You will often hear '선장' used in maritime contexts, such as in news reports about ships, stories involving sea travel, or when discussing responsibilities on a vessel. It is a formal noun and typically used in official or serious contexts.
Common Collocations
- 선장님 (honorific form) – polite way to address or refer to the captain.
- 선장으로 임명되다 – to be appointed as a captain.
- 선장과 승무원 – the captain and the crew.
Important Notes
Unlike the word '사장' (company president) or '대장' (general or leader), '선장' is exclusively used for ships or boats. Avoid confusing it with other leadership titles. When talking about airplane captains, the word '기장' is used instead.
Summary
Use '선장' when referring to the person in charge of a ship. It conveys authority and responsibility over the vessel and its people, and is a key term in maritime vocabulary.