Sailor Speak of the Week – Maru

Definition

Noun

• A Japanese word used after the name of every vessel (except naval vessels).

Origin

In Japanese, 丸, literally meaning round or circle.

Comments

A simple search for Japanese merchant vessel names will repeatedly turn up names of ____ Maru. The concept of a circle in Japanese culture is symbolic of completeness or perfection.

References

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport Museum.