船首|せんしゅsenshu[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounbow (of a boat); prow; stem; head
   ジブの裏うら帆ほとラダーを使つかって、バックしながら船首せんしゅを進すすみたい方向ほうこうに向むけました。↗

   Using the rudder and the jib with the wind behind it we backed up, turning the bow to the direction we wanted to go.

• Synonym舳先へさきNeutralNative Japanese word for the bow, with a literary flavor, as in 「舳先を向ける」; 「船首」 is the ordinary term.
• Synonym舳じくWrittenThe same word, also written 「舳」; common in novels and poetry, while 「船首」 is preferred in navigation and news reports.
• SynonymバウNeutralLoanword for the bow; also the rower seated at the very front, used in rowing and other boating contexts.
• Synonym船首部WrittenTechnical term for the bow area of the hull; essentially the same as 「船首」.
• Related艇首ていしゅWrittenWritten term for the bow of a small boat or submarine; 「船首」 is used for ships in general.
• Related艦首かんしゅWrittenSpecifically the bow of a warship; 「船首」 is used for ships in general.
• Antonym船尾せんびNeutralThe rear part of a ship; the opposite of 「船首」.

For the bow of a ship in general, 「船首」 is the default. Use 「舳先」 for a literary touch, 「艦首」 for warships, 「艇首」 for small boats and submarines, and 「バウ」 as the loanword in rowing contexts; 「船尾」 is the stern.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 船体せんたいの前部ぜんぶ。へさき。