護衛艦

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 護衛艦, read ごえいかん, and it combines 護衛, meaning escort or guard, with 艦, meaning naval vessel.
• Basic usage: The basic sense of 護衛艦 is an escort ship assigned to protect or support other vessels and maritime operations.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The vessel and its crew
  • Both examples use the form 護衛艦. The first names the ship itself, while the second uses it to identify the crew assigned to that ship.
• Viewing from afar and rescue training
  • 港に停泊する護衛艦を遠くから見学した。 — We viewed the escort ship docked in the harbor from a distance.
  • 護衛艦の乗組員が救助訓練を行った。 — The escort ship's crew conducted a rescue drill.