沈没

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 沈没(ちんぼつ) refers to a vessel or similar object sinking beneath the water.
• Basic usage: The sinking vessel is the subject in a construction such as 船が沈没する.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Capsizing and sinking
  • 転覆 focuses on a vessel overturning. An overturned vessel does not necessarily sink completely, so distinguish it from 沈没.
• Causing it to happen
  • 船を沈没させる means causing a vessel to sink. Its participant roles differ from 船が沈没する, where the vessel sinks.