before the mast

Adjective

literally not-comparable

(literally) Having living quarters in the forecastle / Describing seamen rather than officers

Japanese Meaning

（文字通りの意味）船の前部（風防部分）の居住区に住むこと、特に船員として生活することを指す表現。 / （隠喩的な意味）将校ではなく、船員としての生活や立場を指す言葉。

The before the mast sailors endured the damp forecastle and hard work with quiet resilience.

船首楼に住む船員たちは、湿った居住区と過酷な労働に静かに耐えた。

Sense（1）

(literally) Having living quarters in the forecastle

Sense（2）

Describing seamen rather than officers

Before making lieutenant, he sailed before the mast for five years