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A2 noun #8,000 most common 9 min read

船票

chuanpiao Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 船票 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 船票 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '船票' (chuánpiào) means 'boat ticket'. Think of it as two simple words joined together: '船' (boat) and '票' (ticket). You will mostly use it in very simple sentences like 'I have a boat ticket' (我有船票) or 'I want a boat ticket' (我要船票). At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar. Just remember that if you are going on a boat, you need a 船票. You might see this word on signs at a ferry pier or on a travel website. It is a 'noun', which means it is a thing you can touch or hold. The most important thing for an A1 learner is to recognize the characters and know they relate to water travel. You should also learn that we use the word '张' (zhāng) to count tickets, so 'one ticket' is '一张船票'.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '船票' in basic survival situations. For example, if you are traveling in China, you might need to buy a ticket at a window. You should be able to say '我要买一张去大连的船票' (I want to buy a boat ticket to Dalian). You should also understand basic modifiers like '一张' (one), '两张' (two), and '贵' (expensive) or '便宜' (cheap). At this level, you start to see how the word fits into a sentence structure: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Measure Word] + [船票]. You might also learn that boat tickets can be for different times, so you might ask '下一班船的船票还有吗？' (Are there still tickets for the next boat?). This level focuses on practical usage and basic communication at the ticket office.

By B1, you are expected to handle more complex interactions involving '船票'. This includes booking tickets online, asking about refunds (退票), or changing the date of your travel (改签). You should be comfortable using the word in different tenses and contexts. For example, '如果天气不好，船票可以退吗？' (If the weather is bad, can the boat ticket be refunded?). You will also start to encounter different types of boat tickets, such as '头等舱' (first class) or '经济舱' (economy class). Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like '码头' (pier) and '航线' (route). At B1, you can describe your travel plans in detail, explaining why you bought a particular boat ticket and what your journey will be like. You might also read short news articles or travel blogs that use this word.

At the B2 level, '船票' is used in more formal and varied contexts. you should understand the nuances between '船票', '客票', and '登船证'. You can discuss the pros and cons of different transportation methods, using '船票' as a point of comparison with '机票' or '高铁票'. You might encounter the word in professional settings, such as maritime law or the tourism industry. For instance, you could discuss '船票背面的条款' (the terms and conditions on the back of the boat ticket). Your ability to use the word metaphorically might also begin here, though it is more common at higher levels. You should be able to understand more complex sentence structures like '由于船票预订系统出现故障，许多旅客无法按时登船' (Due to a failure in the boat ticket booking system, many passengers were unable to board on time).

At the C1 level, you recognize '船票' not just as a travel document, but as a cultural and historical symbol. You might encounter the word in modern Chinese literature or classic films where a boat ticket represents a turning point in a character's life. You can discuss the historical significance of boat travel in China's development and how the '船票' has evolved from a hand-written slip to a digital QR code. You are comfortable with idiomatic or semi-idiomatic uses, and you can understand the word in complex academic or legal texts regarding maritime transportation. You can also appreciate the poetic use of the word in lyrics or prose, where a '船票' might symbolize a ticket to a dream or a past memory. Your mastery of the word allows you to use it with precision in high-level debates about transport policy or cultural heritage.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '船票' is near-native. You can explore the deepest etymological roots of the characters '船' and '票' and how their combination reflects Chinese linguistic logic. You can analyze the socio-economic implications of boat ticket pricing in different regions of China. You are familiar with the most obscure maritime terms and how '船票' interacts with them in specialized fields. In a literary context, you can provide a deep analysis of how a '船票' serves as a motif in a novel, representing themes of displacement, hope, or the passage of time. You can switch effortlessly between informal slang, standard spoken Chinese, and highly formal written Chinese when using this term. For you, '船票' is a versatile tool in the Chinese language, rich with history, culture, and practical utility.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

船票 in 30 Seconds

船票 (chuánpiào) means boat ticket. It is a compound noun used for any water-based passage, from small ferries to large cruise ships.
The measure word for 船票 is 张 (zhāng). Common verbs include 买 (buy), 订 (book), and 退 (refund).
It is an essential word for travelers in coastal China or those taking river cruises like the Yangtze Three Gorges.
Cultural significance: It often symbolizes migration, nostalgia, or life-changing journeys in Chinese literature and cinema.

The Chinese term 船票 (chuánpiào) is a compound noun formed by two distinct characters: 船 (chuán), meaning 'boat' or 'ship', and 票 (piào), meaning 'ticket'. Together, they literally translate to 'boat ticket' or 'ferry ticket'. While the world has moved significantly toward air and rail travel, the 船票 remains an essential vocabulary item for anyone navigating the coastal cities of China, the Yangtze River, or the bustling ferry routes between Hong Kong, Macau, and the mainland. In a broader sense, it represents the gateway to maritime travel, whether it is a short five-minute ferry across the Huangpu River in Shanghai or a multi-day luxury cruise through the Three Gorges.

Literal Breakdown: 船 (Boat) + 票 (Ticket) = 船票 (Boat Ticket). This is a standard noun-noun compound where the first noun modifies the second.

In modern daily life, you will use this word when visiting travel agencies, using mobile apps like Ctrip or Meituan, or when standing at a pier (码头 - mǎtóu). Because China has a vast coastline and numerous navigable rivers, the 船票 is not just a tourist item but a vital part of the transportation infrastructure for millions of commuters and logistics workers. When you hold a 船票, you are not just holding a receipt of payment; you are holding a legal contract for passage across the water.

请出示您的船票。 (Please show your boat ticket.)

Historically, the 船票 carried a deep emotional weight in Chinese culture. During the early 20th century, a boat ticket often symbolized a life-changing journey—migrating to Southeast Asia (下南洋) or moving between the mainland and islands. In literature and film, the 'missing boat ticket' is a common trope representing missed opportunities or broken connections, most famously seen in Wong Kar-wai's 'In the Mood for Love', where the line 'If there were an extra boat ticket, would you go with me?' became an iconic expression of longing.

When using this word, it is important to distinguish between different types of vessels. Whether it is a massive ocean liner (邮轮 - yóulún) or a small ferry (渡轮 - dùlún), the document required for boarding is universally referred to as a 船票. However, for very informal small boats in rural areas, people might just say '付钱' (pay money) rather than specifically mentioning a ticket, though the formal term remains 船票.

我还没买到去普陀山的船票。 (I haven't bought the boat ticket to Putuo Mountain yet.)

Common Contexts: Buying at the window (窗口买票), booking online (网上订票), and ticket inspection (检票).

Using 船票 in a sentence requires an understanding of common verbs associated with travel and transactions. Since it is a physical or digital object, it often functions as the direct object of a verb. The most common verb used with 船票 is 买 (mǎi - to buy) or the more formal 购 (gòu - to purchase). For example, '我想买两张船票' (I want to buy two boat tickets).

The Verb 'Book': If you are reserving a ticket in advance, use 订 (dìng) or 预订 (yùdìng). Example: '你预订船票了吗？' (Have you booked the boat tickets?)

Another crucial aspect of using 船票 in sentences is describing the status of the ticket. Is it a one-way ticket or a round-trip? A one-way ticket is a 单程票 (dānchéng piào), and a round-trip ticket is a 往返票 (wǎngfǎn piào). When you combine these with 'boat', you get '单程船票' and '往返船票'. These are essential phrases when communicating with ticket agents at a terminal.

这张船票包含了晚餐。 (This boat ticket includes dinner.)

In terms of grammar, 船票 usually follows the Number + Measure Word + Noun pattern. Because it is a flat, thin object (traditionally), the measure word is 张 (zhāng). If you are talking about a large quantity of tickets, you might use 批 (pī - batch). For example, '这批船票已经卖完了' (This batch of boat tickets is already sold out).

Furthermore, in the context of boarding, you will encounter the verb 检 (jiǎn - to check/inspect). The ticket gate is the 检票口 (jiǎnpiào kǒu). A common sentence you might hear is '请到三号检票口出示船票' (Please go to Gate 3 and show your boat ticket). If the ticket is invalid, it is 无效 (wúxiào) or 过期 (guòqī - expired).

由于天气不好，所有的船票都可以全额退款。 (Due to bad weather, all boat tickets can be fully refunded.)

Finally, consider the class of the ticket. Much like airplanes, ships have different classes. A first-class ticket is 一等票 (yīděng piào) or 头等舱船票 (tóuděngcāng chuánpiào). A standard ticket is 普通票 (pǔtōng piào). Using these modifiers before 船票 allows for precise communication in travel scenarios.

The most obvious place to hear the word 船票 is at a ferry terminal or port, known as 码头 (mǎtóu) or 客运码头 (kèyùn mǎtóu). In cities like Xiamen, where the ferry to Gulangyu Island is a primary attraction, the word 船票 is ubiquitous. You will hear it over loudspeakers: '请旅客朋友们拿好船票，准备登船' (Passengers, please take your boat tickets and prepare to board).

Tourism and Travel Apps: When using apps like Fliggy (飞猪) or Ctrip (携程), you will navigate to the 'Ship/Ferry' section, which is usually labeled '汽车/船票' (Bus/Boat Tickets).

Beyond the physical port, 船票 is a common term in the travel industry. If you are booking a cruise on the Yangtze River to see the Three Gorges, the travel agent will discuss the '船票价格' (boat ticket price) and what it includes—usually meals and shore excursions. In these professional contexts, the word is used frequently to distinguish the cost of passage from other costs like insurance or guide fees.

这里的船票包含了两顿正餐。 (The boat ticket here includes two full meals.)

In movies and TV dramas, especially those set in the Republican era (1912–1949) or in 1960s Hong Kong, the 船票 is often a plot device. It represents escape, migration, or a clandestine meeting. Characters might desperately search for a '一张去香港的船票' (a boat ticket to Hong Kong). This gives the word a nostalgic and sometimes melancholic connotation in media.

You might also hear it in news reports concerning maritime safety or transport during the 'Chunyun' (Spring Festival travel rush). For instance, news anchors might report that '大连到烟台的船票已经售罄' (Boat tickets from Dalian to Yantai are already sold out). This highlights the word's relevance in the context of large-scale human migration within China.

他在网上抢到了最后一张船票。 (He managed to grab the last boat ticket online.)

Daily Conversations: '你船票买了吗？' is a common question among friends planning a weekend trip to an island like Chongming or Putuoshan.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 船票 is using the wrong measure word. In English, we simply say 'a ticket', but in Chinese, nouns require specific measure words. Some students mistakenly use '个' (gè), the general measure word. While '一个船票' might be understood, it sounds uneducated. The correct measure word is 张 (zhāng), which is used for flat things like paper, tables, and tickets.

Wrong Measure Word: Incorrect: 一个船票 (yī gè chuánpiào). Correct: 一张船票 (yī zhāng chuánpiào).

Another common error is confusing 船票 with other types of transport tickets. Because '票' is the common denominator, beginners often mix up 车票 (chēpiào - bus/train ticket), 机票 (jīpiào - plane ticket), and 船票. It is important to remember that '船' specifically refers to watercraft. If you are taking a ferry, never call it a '车票', even if you are taking your car onto the ferry.

错误：我要买一张去大连的机票。(Mistake: I want to buy a ~~plane ticket~~ to Dalian - when you meant boat ticket.) 正确：我要买一张去大连的船票。

A more subtle mistake involves the word order when describing destinations. In English, we say 'boat ticket to Shanghai'. In Chinese, the destination usually acts as an adjective modifying the ticket: [Destination] + 的 + 船票. Many learners try to translate literally and say '船票去上海', which is grammatically incorrect. The correct structure is '去上海的船票'.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 退票 (tuìpiào - to refund a ticket) with 换票 (huànpiào - to exchange a ticket). If you bought the wrong 船票 and want your money back, you must ask for '退票'. If you just want to change the time, ask for '改签' (gǎiqiān) or '换票'. Using the wrong term at the ticket window can lead to significant confusion and potential financial loss.

我想把这张船票退了。 (I want to refund this boat ticket.)

While 船票 is the standard term, there are several related words that you might encounter depending on the specific type of vessel or the formality of the situation. Understanding these nuances will make your Chinese sound more natural and precise.

船票 vs. 渡轮票: 船票 (chuánpiào) is the general term for any boat ticket. 渡轮票 (dùlún piào) specifically refers to a ferry ticket. Use the latter if you are specifically talking about a commuter ferry crossing a river or bay.
船票 vs. 航次: 航次 (hángcì) refers to the voyage or the sailing schedule itself. You buy a 船票 for a specific 航次. For example, '这个航次的船票卖完了' (Tickets for this sailing are sold out).

In more formal or technical maritime contexts, you might see the term 客票 (kèpiào). This literally means 'passenger ticket' and is often used on the legal text of the ticket itself or in official regulations. However, in spoken conversation, 船票 remains the dominant choice. If you are on a luxury cruise ship, you might hear people refer to their 房卡 (fángkǎ - room card), as the room card often serves as the 船票 for boarding and re-boarding at various ports.

这张船票其实就是一张电子二维码。 (This boat ticket is actually just an electronic QR code.)

Another related term is 登船证 (dēngchuán zhèng - boarding pass). On large international cruises, you might exchange your 船票 (the booking confirmation) for a 登船证 (the actual pass used to walk onto the ship). This distinction is similar to the difference between a flight booking and a boarding pass in air travel.

Lastly, consider the word 票价 (piàojià - ticket price). While not a direct synonym for 船票, it is the word you use when asking 'How much is the boat ticket?'. Instead of saying '船票多少钱？' (which is fine), you can say '船票的票价是多少？' for a slightly more formal inquiry.

往返的船票通常比买两张单程的更便宜。 (Round-trip boat tickets are usually cheaper than buying two one-way ones.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, people didn't use 'tickets' in the modern sense; they often used wooden or bronze tokens (符) for official travel. The word '票' only became common for travel in the 19th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃwæn pjaʊ/

US /tʃwæn pjaʊ/

In Chinese, both syllables are equally stressed, but the tones provide the rhythmic structure.

Rhymes With

船 (chuán) rhymes with: 传 (chuán), 全 (quán), 穿 (chuān), 权 (quán). 票 (piào) rhymes with: 妙 (miào), 叫 (jiào), 笑 (xiào), 跳 (tiào).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'chuan' as 'shuan'.
Failing to use the falling tone on 'piao', making it sound like 'piao1' (to float).
Mushing the two words together without a clear break.
Mispronouncing the 'ua' in 'chuan' as a single 'u' or 'a' sound.
Confusing the 'p' in 'piao' with a 'b' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple and common. 船 is a bit complex but 票 is very frequent.

Writing 3/5

Writing 船 requires attention to the 舟 radical. 票 has many strokes but follows a clear top-bottom structure.

Speaking 2/5

The tones (2nd and 4th) are distinct and usually easy for learners to master.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, rarely confused with other words if the tones are heard correctly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

船 (boat) 票 (ticket) 买 (buy) 张 (measure word) 去 (go)

Learn Next

码头 (pier) 航线 (route) 登船 (board a ship) 退票 (refund ticket) 延误 (delay)

Advanced

海运 (maritime transport) 提单 (bill of lading) 舱位预订 (cabin reservation) 免税店 (duty-free shop) 引航员 (pilot)

Grammar to Know

Measure Words for Flat Objects (张)

我有三张船票。

Destination as Adjective (Place + 的 + Noun)

去大连的船票。

Verb-Object Phrases (买船票)

他在买船票。

Potential Complements with '买'

我买不到船票。

Prepositional Phrases for Location (在...买)

在码头买船票。

Examples by Level

我有船票。

I have a boat ticket.

Subject + Verb + Object.

这是你的船票。

This is your boat ticket.

Using '是' to identify an object.

一张船票多少钱？

How much is one boat ticket?

Measure word '张' is used for tickets.

我要买船票。

I want to buy a boat ticket.

Verb '买' (to buy) with the object.

船票在那儿。

The boat ticket is over there.

Indicating location with '在那儿'.

你的船票呢？

Where is your boat ticket?

Using '呢' to ask 'where is...?'

我不买船票。

I am not buying a boat ticket.

Negation with '不'.

给我一张船票。

Give me one boat ticket.

Imperative sentence with '给'.

我想买两张去上海的船票。

I want to buy two boat tickets to Shanghai.

Destination + '的' + Noun.

船票很便宜，只要五十块。

The boat ticket is very cheap, only fifty yuan.

Adjective '便宜' modifying the noun.

他在网上订了船票。

He booked the boat ticket online.

Location '在网上' before the verb '订'.

请出示您的船票。

Please show your boat ticket.

Polite request with '请'.

我没有买到明天的船票。

I couldn't buy tomorrow's boat ticket.

Potential complement '买到' in the negative.

这张船票是昨天的。

This boat ticket is from yesterday.

Using time as an adjective.

你去哪儿买船票？

Where are you going to buy the boat ticket?

Question word '哪儿' for location.

船票包含了午餐吗？

Does the boat ticket include lunch?

Verb '包含' (to include).

如果你想退船票，必须提前两小时。

If you want to refund the boat ticket, you must do it two hours in advance.

Conditional structure '如果...必须...'.

由于大雾，船票的出发时间推迟了。

Due to heavy fog, the departure time on the boat ticket has been delayed.

Cause and effect with '由于'.

我弄丢了船票，可以补办一张吗？

I lost my boat ticket, can I get a replacement?

Verb '弄丢' and '补办' (to replace/re-issue).

这张船票的价格包括了所有的保险费。

The price of this boat ticket includes all insurance fees.

Noun phrase '船票的价格'.

虽然船票有点贵，但是风景非常漂亮。

Although the boat ticket is a bit expensive, the scenery is very beautiful.

Concession with '虽然...但是...'.

我们可以去窗口换成纸质船票。

We can go to the window to exchange it for a paper boat ticket.

Verb '换成' (to change into).

你可以在这个APP上抢到打折的船票。

You can grab discounted boat tickets on this app.

Verb '抢' (to grab/rush for) used for limited items.

请问这张船票是一等座还是二等座？

Excuse me, is this boat ticket for first class or second class seat?

Alternative question with '还是'.

船票的背面印有详细的乘船须知。

The back of the boat ticket has detailed boarding instructions printed on it.

Passive-like structure with '印有'.

在旅游旺季，船票往往供不应求。

During the peak tourist season, boat tickets are often in short supply.

Idiom '供不应求' (demand exceeds supply).

凡是持有学生证的旅客，买船票可以享受半价优惠。

Any passenger holding a student ID can enjoy a half-price discount on boat tickets.

Formal structure '凡是...可以...'.

一旦船票售出，原则上是不予退换的。

Once the boat tickets are sold, in principle, they are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Formal restriction '不予' (not allowed).

这张船票是他通往新生活的唯一凭证。

This boat ticket was his only proof of passage to a new life.

Metaphorical use of '凭证' (voucher/proof).

请确认船票上的个人信息是否准确无误。

Please confirm whether the personal information on the boat ticket is accurate.

Formal query '是否' (whether or not).

购买船票时，系统会自动分配座位。

When purchasing a boat ticket, the system will automatically assign a seat.

Adverb '自动' (automatically).

船票的有效期限通常只有当天。

The validity period of a boat ticket is usually only for the same day.

Compound noun '有效期限' (validity period).

那张褪色的船票承载了他对故乡的所有思念。

That faded boat ticket carried all his longing for his hometown.

Literary verb '承载' (to carry/bear).

在那个动荡的年代，一张船票往往意味着生离死别。

In those turbulent times, a boat ticket often meant a life-or-death separation.

Historical context and emotional weight.

他手中的船票不仅仅是交通工具的凭证，更是一种身份的象征。

The boat ticket in his hand was not just a voucher for transportation, but a symbol of status.

Structure '不仅仅是...更是...'.

该航运公司因船票价格垄断而受到了相关部门的调查。

The shipping company was investigated by relevant departments for boat ticket price monopoly.

Formal legal/business vocabulary '垄断' (monopoly).

船票的电子化进程极大地提高了港口的运营效率。

The digitalization process of boat tickets has greatly improved the operational efficiency of the port.

Abstract noun '电子化进程' (digitalization process).

若非那张意外丢失的船票，他的人生轨迹或许会完全不同。

If it hadn't been for that accidentally lost boat ticket, his life trajectory might have been completely different.

Formal conditional '若非' (if not for).

这张船票见证了海峡两岸关系的变迁与发展。

This boat ticket witnessed the changes and development of cross-strait relations.

Personification with '见证' (to witness).

尽管船票价格不菲，但追求极致体验的旅客依然络绎不绝。

Despite the high price of the boat tickets, passengers seeking the ultimate experience still come in an endless stream.

Idiom '络绎不绝' (continuous stream).

这一纸船票，竟成了他与大陆之间最后的纽带。

This single boat ticket unexpectedly became the last bond between him and the mainland.

Poetic use of '这一纸' to emphasize fragility.

船票实名制的实施，旨在打击黄牛党并保障旅客权益。

The implementation of the real-name system for boat tickets aims to crack down on ticket scalpers and protect passenger rights.

Political/Administrative terminology '实名制' and '黄牛党'.

从某种意义上说，那张船票是他对命运的一种抗争。

In a sense, that boat ticket was a form of struggle against fate.

Philosophical nuance '某种意义上说'.

船票背后的契约精神是现代航运业得以平稳运行的基石。

The spirit of contract behind the boat ticket is the cornerstone of the stable operation of the modern shipping industry.

Metaphorical use of '契约精神' (spirit of contract).

他试图通过伪造船票来潜逃海外，但最终在边检站落网。

He attempted to flee overseas by forging a boat ticket, but was eventually caught at the border inspection station.

Criminal/Legal vocabulary '伪造' (forge) and '潜逃' (flee).

船票的溢价反映了该航线在特定季节的稀缺性。

The premium on boat tickets reflects the scarcity of the route during specific seasons.

Economic terminology '溢价' (premium) and '稀缺性' (scarcity).

这张船票不仅仅是航程的开始，更是对过往岁月的诀别。

This boat ticket is not just the beginning of a voyage, but a farewell to the years gone by.

Emotional depth and use of '诀别' (solemn farewell).

探讨船票的历史演变，可以窥见中国近现代交通史的缩影。

Exploring the historical evolution of boat tickets provides a glimpse into the microcosm of China's modern transportation history.

Academic structure '窥见...缩影'.

Common Collocations

买船票

订船票

一张船票

船票价格

退船票

船票售罄

电子船票

船票预订

检船票

往返船票

Common Phrases

抢船票

— To rush to buy boat tickets, usually when they are in high demand.

春节期间，去海南的船票很难抢。

一张船票的距离

— A metaphorical distance that can be crossed by a boat, often implying separation.

家乡和我，只有一张船票的距离。

补船票

— To buy a ticket after boarding or to pay for an upgrade.

如果你上船后想升舱，可以去服务台补船票。

船票改签

— To change the date or time of a boat ticket.

我想办理船票改签手续。

船票存根

— The ticket stub or the part kept for records.

请保留好船票存根以便报销。

半价船票

— Half-price boat ticket, usually for children or seniors.

六岁以下儿童可以买半价船票。

团体船票

— Group boat tickets, often sold at a discount.

我们公司买了五十张团体船票。

船票丢失

— Loss of a boat ticket.

发生船票丢失情况请立即联系工作人员。

实名制船票

— Real-name registered boat ticket.

现在购买船票需要出示身份证，实行实名制船票。

特价船票

— Special offer or discounted boat ticket.

淡季的时候有很多特价船票。

Often Confused With

船票 vs 车票

车票 is for land vehicles (buses, trains). Don't use it for boats.

船票 vs 机票

机票 is specifically for airplanes. Learners often mix these up because both involve long-distance travel.

船票 vs 门票

门票 is an entrance ticket for a park or museum. A 船票 is for transportation, not just entry.

Idioms & Expressions

"借船出海"

— To use someone else's platform or resources to achieve one's own goals. While not using the word 'ticket', it is a very common boat-related idiom.

这家公司通过借船出海，成功进入了国际市场。

Business/Formal

"破釜沉舟"

— To break the cauldrons and sink the boats; to cut off all means of retreat and fight to the end.

他决定破釜沉舟，把所有的积蓄都投进了这个项目。

Literary/Historical

"风雨同舟"

— To be in the same boat in a storm; to help each other in times of trouble.

我们夫妻俩风雨同舟三十年，感情非常好。

Idiomatic

"顺水推舟"

— To push the boat with the current; to take advantage of a situation to achieve one's goal with little effort.

既然他已经答应了，我就顺水推舟，把事情办了。

Common

"同舟共济"

— To cross a river in the same boat; to work together with a common goal.

在困难面前，我们需要同舟共济，共渡难关。

Formal

"脚踏两只船"

— To have a foot in two boats; to try to benefit from two conflicting parties or to be unfaithful in a relationship.

他想脚踏两只船，结果两边都落空了。

Informal/Slang

"水涨船高"

— When the river rises, the boat goes up; things improve or increase as their surroundings do.

随着生活水平的提高，服务费也水涨船高了。

Proverbial

"宰相肚里能撑船"

— A prime minister's belly is big enough to row a boat in; meaning a great person is very magnanimous and forgiving.

别跟他计较了，宰相肚里能撑船嘛。

Colloquial

"看风使舵"

— To steer the boat according to the wind; to act according to the circumstances (often implies being opportunistic).

他这个人最擅长看风使舵，谁有势就跟谁。

Critical

"水能载舟，亦能覆舟"

— Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it; usually refers to the relationship between the people and the ruler.

为政者应谨记：水能载舟，亦能覆舟。

Philosophical/Political

Easily Confused

船票 vs 传票

Homophone (same pinyin 'chuánpiào' but different characters).

船票 (boat ticket) vs 传票 (legal summons/subpoena). The characters are different.

他收到了一张法院的传票，而不是去旅游的船票。

船票 vs 床票

Similar sound (chuáng vs chuán).

床票 (chuángpiào) refers to a sleeper ticket on a train, while 船票 is for a boat.

火车上有床票，船上叫舱位。

船票 vs 邮票

Both end in '票'.

邮票 (yóupiào) is a postage stamp, while 船票 is for travel.

我在信封上贴了邮票，在码头买了船票。

船票 vs 钞票

Both end in '票'.

钞票 (chāopiào) means bank notes/cash. You use 钞票 to buy a 船票.

他从钱包里拿出钞票买了船票。

船票 vs 票面

Related to tickets.

票面 (piàomiàn) refers to the face or surface of the ticket, not the ticket itself.

船票的票面金额是100元。

Sentence Patterns

我有[Noun]。

我有船票。

我想买[Number]张去[Place]的船票。

我想买一张去香港的船票。

如果[Condition]，可以退船票吗？

如果我不去，可以退船票吗？

由于[Reason]，船票[Result]。

由于大雨，船票失效了。

[Noun]不仅仅是[A]，更是[B]。

船票不仅仅是凭证，更是回忆。

探讨[Topic]，可以窥见[Insight]。

探讨船票的历史，可以窥见交通的变迁。

请出示您的[Noun]。

请出示您的船票。

[Noun]被[Person][Verb]了。

船票被我弄丢了。

Word Family

Nouns

船只 (chuánzhī - vessels)

船员 (chuányuán - crew)

船长 (chuánzhǎng - captain)

票房 (piàofáng - box office)

票据 (piàojù - bill/voucher)

Verbs

乘船 (chéngchuán - to ride a boat)

划船 (huáchuán - to row a boat)

投票 (tóupiào - to vote)

开票 (kāipiào - to issue a ticket/invoice)

Adjectives

船用的 (chuányòng de - for marine use)

票面的 (piàomiàn de - face value of a ticket)

码头 (mǎtóu - pier)

航线 (hángxiàn - route)

港口 (gǎngkǒu - port)

舱位 (cāngwèi - cabin/seat)

渡轮 (dùlún - ferry)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in coastal and river regions, less common in inland mountainous areas.

Common Mistakes

Using '个' as a measure word. → 使用'张'作为量词。
In Chinese, flat and thin objects like tickets require the measure word '张'. Saying '一个船票' sounds unnatural and is a common beginner mistake.
Saying '船票去上海' for 'boat ticket to Shanghai'. → 说'去上海的船票'。
In Chinese, modifiers (like destination) come before the noun they modify. You must use the structure [Destination] + 的 + [Noun].
Confusing 船票 (chuánpiào) with 传票 (chuánpiào). → 根据语境区分'船票'和'传票'。
These are homophones. While they sound identical, '船票' is for travel and '传票' is a legal document. Always pay attention to the context of the conversation.
Using 船票 when you mean 机票. → 区分水路和空运票据。
Some learners use 船票 as a general term for any long-distance ticket. Remember that 船 specifically means boat. If you are flying, you must use 机票.
Forgetting that '票' is 4th tone. → 记住'票'是第四声。
If you pronounce 'piào' with a 1st tone (piāo), it means 'to float'. While floating is related to boats, it changes the meaning of the word entirely.

Tips

Use the right measure word

Always use '张' (zhāng) for 船票. It is the same measure word used for paper, tables, and other flat surfaces. '一张船票' is the only natural way to say 'one boat ticket'.

Book in advance during holidays

During Chinese holidays like the Spring Festival or Golden Week, 船票 can sell out very quickly. Use apps like 12306 or Ctrip to book your 船票 at least a few days in advance.

Destination comes first

When specifying where the ticket is for, put the place name before the word '船票'. For example: '去大连的船票' (Ticket to Dalian). Don't say '船票去大连'.

Understand the emotional weight

In many classic Chinese songs and movies, the boat ticket is a symbol of parting. Knowing this can help you understand the deeper meaning when the word appears in artistic contexts.

Master the tones

The 2nd tone in 'chuán' and the 4th tone in 'piào' are key. If you say 'piào' with a flat tone, it sounds like 'to float' (漂), which might confuse people in a maritime context!

Keep your ID ready

Since 2011, China has implemented a real-name system for many transport tickets. When buying or using a 船票, you will almost always need to show your passport or ID card.

Check the back of the ticket

The back of a physical 船票 often contains safety information and refund policies. It is a good place to practice reading formal Chinese '须知' (instructions/notices).

Distinguish from 传票

Be careful not to confuse 船票 (boat ticket) with 传票 (subpoena). They sound the same but the context of a vacation vs. a court case is very different!

Remember the boat radical

The character 船 has the 舟 (zhōu) radical on the left. 舟 is the ancient word for boat. Remembering this will help you recognize many other water-transport related characters.

Compare with other tickets

Group 船票 (boat), 机票 (plane), 车票 (bus/train), and 门票 (entry) together in your mind. They all share the '票' character, which makes them easier to memorize as a set.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CHuan' (sounds like 'swan' with a 'ch') swimming on the water, and you need a 'PIAO' (sounds like 'meow' with a 'p') to catch it. A 'swan-meow' is your boat ticket!

Visual Association

Imagine a small paper ticket with a picture of a large steamship on it. The steamship represents '船' and the paper represents '票'.

Word Web

船票买订退码头大海旅行

Challenge

Try to go to a travel website like Trip.com and find the 'Ferry' section. Look for the characters 船票 and see if you can identify the prices and destinations.

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '船' (chuán) is an ancient character consisting of the radical '舟' (zhōu), which means 'boat', and the phonetic component '㕣'. '票' (piào) originally meant 'a slip of paper' or 'fire' in ancient scripts, but evolved to mean 'ticket' or 'voucher' in the late Qing dynasty as modern transportation systems were established.

Original meaning: A physical slip of paper certifying payment for passage on a vessel.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that in historical contexts, a boat ticket can imply forced migration or refugees.

In English-speaking cultures, 'boat ticket' is less common than 'ferry ticket' or 'cruise booking'. In Chinese, 船票 covers all of these.

The movie 'In the Mood for Love' (花样年华) and its famous line about the extra boat ticket. The song '涛声依旧' (The Sound of Waves Remains). Historical accounts of the 'Titanic' often refer to the different classes of 船票.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Buying a ticket at the port

我要买一张船票。
多少钱一张？
还有票吗？
什么时候开船？

On the boat

这是我的船票。
我的座位在哪儿？
船票包含餐食吗？
检票在哪儿？

Losing a ticket

我的船票丢了。
可以补票吗？
我需要重新买票吗？
这是我的订票记录。

Booking online

网上订船票更方便。
电子船票怎么用？
需要取纸质票吗？
输入身份证号买票。

Travel planning

我们要提前订船票。
船票价格涨了。
看看有没有打折船票。
往返船票比较便宜。

Conversation Starters

"你买到去大连的船票了吗？ (Did you get the boat ticket to Dalian?)"

"这张船票怎么这么贵啊？ (Why is this boat ticket so expensive?)"

"我们是在网上买船票还是去码头买？ (Should we buy boat tickets online or go to the pier?)"

"你的船票上写的是几点开船？ (What time does your boat ticket say it departs?)"

"如果船票丢了，我们还能上船吗？ (If the boat ticket is lost, can we still board?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你第一次买船票去旅行的经历。 (Write about the first time you bought a boat ticket for a trip.)

如果你有一张可以去任何地方的船票，你会去哪里？ (If you had a boat ticket that could take you anywhere, where would you go?)

描述一下你在码头等候检票时的心情。 (Describe your feelings while waiting for ticket inspection at the pier.)

你觉得电子船票和纸质船票哪个更好？为什么？ (Do you think electronic boat tickets or paper boat tickets are better? Why?)

写一个关于一张丢失的船票的小故事。 (Write a short story about a lost boat ticket.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The measure word for 船票 is 张 (zhāng). This is because tickets are typically flat, thin pieces of paper. For example, you would say '一张船票' (one boat ticket) or '两张船票' (two boat tickets). Using the general measure word '个' (gè) is technically understandable but sounds incorrect to native speakers.

Yes, 船票 is the general term for any ticket for travel on water. This includes small ferries, speedboats, and large luxury cruise ships (邮轮). However, for a cruise, you might also hear terms like '船位' (cabin space) or '登船卡' (boarding card), but '买船票' is still the standard way to describe the purchase.

To say 'one-way boat ticket', you use the phrase '单程船票' (dānchéng chuánpiào). '单程' means one-way. If you want a round-trip ticket, you would say '往返船票' (wǎngfǎn chuánpiào). These are very useful terms when booking travel at a terminal.

Yes, there is a slight difference. 船票 is a broad term for any boat ticket. 渡轮票 (dùlún piào) specifically refers to a ferry ticket, usually for short-distance transport across a river or bay. In most cases, you can use 船票 as a safe, general term, but 渡轮票 is more specific for commuter ferries.

The most common verbs are 买 (mǎi - to buy), 订 (dìng - to book), 退 (tuì - to refund), 检 (jiǎn - to check/inspect), and 丢 (diū - to lose). For example: '我要买船票' (I want to buy a boat ticket) or '请检票' (Please check the ticket).

Actually, that is a common confusion! The word for a legal summons is 传票 (chuánpiào). It sounds exactly the same as 船票 (boat ticket) but the first character is different. 船 (boat) vs 传 (summon/pass). Context usually makes it clear which one is being discussed.

You can ask: '学生买船票有优惠吗？' (Is there a discount for students buying boat tickets?) or '可以用学生证买半价船票吗？' (Can I use a student ID to buy a half-price boat ticket?). Many ferry lines in China offer discounts for students and seniors.

In modern China, yes. Most boat tickets can be bought via apps like Ctrip or WeChat and are used as '电子船票' (electronic boat tickets) via a QR code. However, at many smaller piers or for certain long-distance routes, you may still need to exchange your digital booking for a '纸质船票' (paper boat ticket) at a window or kiosk.

In Chinese literature and film, '一张船票' often symbolizes a one-way journey, migration, or a missed romantic opportunity. It represents the physical means to leave one's past behind or to reach a new destiny. It carries a sense of nostalgia and weight that '机票' (plane ticket) usually doesn't have.

You say: '船票卖完了' (Chuánpiào mài wán le) or the more formal '船票已售罄' (Chuánpiào yǐ shòuqìng). '售罄' is often seen on signs or digital screens at the port.