海面

• Pinyin: hǎi miàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 海 = 氵+ 每; 面 = 面 (face, surface) — surface of the sea

Meaning

Sea surface; the surface of the ocean.

Used in meteorological reports, navigation, environmental science, and literature. Appears in formal descriptions of sea conditions (海面风力、海面温度) and poetic depictions of ocean scenery.

Examples

1. 气象部门发布预警，预计未来二十四小时内海面风力将达到十级以上。 The meteorological department issued a warning that winds over the sea surface are expected to reach force 10 or above in the next 24 hours.
2. 油轮泄漏导致大面积油污漂浮在海面上，严重威胁当地的海洋生态环境。 An oil tanker leak left a large slick floating on the sea surface, posing a serious threat to the local marine ecosystem.
3. 清晨的阳光洒在平静的海面上，金光粼粼，景色十分壮美。 In the morning, sunlight spilled across the calm sea surface, shimmering with gold—an awe-inspiring sight.

Usage Guide

Context: meteorology, navigation, environment, literature

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 卫星图像显示，该海域的海面温度比往年同期高出约两摄氏度。(Satellite imagery shows that the sea surface temperature in this area is about two degrees Celsius higher than the same period in previous years.)
• 渔船在夜间航行时需密切关注海面状况，以防突遇恶劣天气。(Fishing vessels navigating at night must closely monitor sea surface conditions to guard against sudden deterioration in weather.)

Don't Say

• 海面 used for freshwater lakes — use 湖面 for lake surfaces; 海面 is specific to the ocean

Origin & History

海 (sea) + 面 (surface, face) — the face/surface of the sea

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal