海湾

• Pinyin: hǎi wān
• Hanzi breakdown: 海 = 氵 (water) + 每 (every), meaning sea; 湾 = 氵 (water) + 弯 (bend), meaning bay

Meaning

Bay; gulf. A body of water partially enclosed by land, smaller than a gulf.

Used for geographical features and in proper nouns like 波斯湾 (Persian Gulf), 东京湾 (Tokyo Bay). Common collocations: 海湾地区 (Gulf region), 海湾战争 (Gulf War). 湾 alone can mean bay or the curve of a coast.

Examples

1. 这个小渔村坐落在一个宁静的海湾边上，风景如画。 This small fishing village is nestled beside a peaceful bay, with picturesque scenery.
2. 波斯湾地区的石油资源非常丰富，是世界能源的重要产地。 The Persian Gulf region is extremely rich in oil resources and is an important source of world energy.
3. 傍晚时分，整个海湾被夕阳染成了金红色，美得让人屏息。 At dusk, the entire bay was dyed golden red by the sunset — so beautiful it took your breath away.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, news, travel

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这个海湾很适合游泳。(This bay is great for swimming.)
• 海湾战争发生在1991年。(The Gulf War happened in 1991.)

Don't Say

• 把内陆湖说成海湾 (Don't call an inland lake 海湾 — it specifically refers to ocean bays)

Origin & History

Compound of 海 (sea, ocean) + 湾 (bay, cove). 湾 depicts water curving around land.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal