海 (hǎi) - Sea, ocean & large body of water

海Tone 3

hǎi ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

海 · hǎi

Sea, ocean;

large body of water;

metaphor for vastness, abundance, or international scope.

Sea, oceanlarge body of watermetaphor for vastness, abundance, or international scope.

Usage highlights

SeaOceanSeasideSeawaterSea levelSeaweed

Synonyms

  • 洋— Ocean (usually larger than 海)
  • 瀚— Vast, expansive (as of sea or desert)

Antonyms

  • 山— Mountain (land vs. water)
  • 陆— Land (as opposed to sea)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We went to the seaside (海边).
  • The ocean is very deep (海洋).
  • Shanghai is a coastal city (上海).
  • He has extensive knowledge (知识渊博如海).

Collocations

  • Sea(海)
  • Ocean(海洋)
  • Seaside(海边)
  • Seawater(海水)
  • Sea level(海平面)
  • Seaweed(海藻)

Idioms

  • Boundless as the sea and sky(海阔天空)
  • A drop in the ocean(沧海一粟)
  • Rough sea and turbulent river(海沸江翻)
  • The four seas as one family(四海一家)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally seen as the boundary of the known world, with mythical islands of immortals beyond.
  • Symbolizes vast knowledge, broad-mindedness, and international perspective.
  • In Buddhism, represents the depth of Dharma and compassion.

FAQ