Sampan - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A sampan is a small wooden boat commonly used in coastal regions of East and Southeast Asia. It is typically propelled by oars or a small motor and used for fishing or transportation.
Definition:
A small wooden boat used in East Asia, often with a flat bottom and propelled by oars or a motor.
Synonyms:
skiff, dinghy, canoe, rowboat
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
ocean liner, battleship
Common Collocations:
fishing sampan, wooden sampan, motorized sampan
Derivatives:
sampans (plural), sampan-like (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "sampan" to describe traditional Asian boats; avoid for modern or Western vessels.
Common Phrases:
sampan ride, floating sampan, crowded sampan
Etymology:
From Chinese "sān bǎn" (三板), meaning "three planks," referring to its simple construction.
Examples:
- 1. We saw a colorful sampan floating on the river.
- 2. The fisherman rowed his sampan toward the open sea.
- 3. Tourists enjoyed a peaceful ride in the old sampan.
- 4. The wooden sampan was filled with fresh fish and nets.