沿海

• Pinyin: yán hǎi
• Hanzi breakdown: 沿 = 氵 (water) + 㕣, meaning along; 海 = 氵 (water) + 每 (every), meaning sea

Meaning

Coastal; along the coast. Referring to areas adjacent to the sea.

Commonly used to describe coastal regions and their characteristics. In China, 沿海城市 (coastal cities) often implies economic development. Common phrases: 沿海地区 (coastal areas), 沿海开放城市 (coastal open cities), 沿海防线 (coastal defense line).

Examples

1. 中国的沿海城市经济发展得比较快。 China's coastal cities have developed economically relatively quickly.
2. 台风主要影响东南沿海地区。 Typhoons mainly affect the southeastern coastal areas.
3. 很多人选择去沿海城市打工。 Many people choose to go to coastal cities to find work.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, economics, weather

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 沿海地区的气候比较湿润。(The climate in coastal areas is relatively humid.)
• 他在沿海城市找到了工作。(He found a job in a coastal city.)

Don't Say

• 沿海的海 — 重复累赘，直接说'沿海地区的海'或'海边'

Origin & History

Compound of 沿 (along) + 海 (sea). Literally meaning 'along the sea.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal