What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sampan
Example
The fisherman took his sampan out to sea early in the morning. [sampan: noun]
Example
We hired a sampan to explore the river and enjoy the scenery. [sampan: noun]
boat
Example
We rented a boat to go fishing on the lake. [boat: noun]
Example
She loves to sail her boat on the open sea. [boat: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boat is a more commonly used term than sampan in everyday language. Boat is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and is used across different cultures and regions. On the other hand, sampan is less common and is mostly associated with Asian culture and history.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sampan and boat?
While sampan is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, boat is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.