海藻

• Pinyin: hǎi zǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 海 = 氵+ 每; 藻 = 艹(grass/plant) + 澡 phonetic — aquatic plant

Meaning

Seaweed; algae growing in the sea.

Encompasses a wide range of marine algae from edible varieties (海带 kelp, 紫菜 nori) to scientifically studied species. Used in food, cosmetics, biofuel research, and marine ecology. 海藻 is the scientific umbrella term, while everyday speech often uses specific names.

Examples

1. 科学家正在研究利用海藻大规模生产生物燃料的可行性，以期降低对石化能源的依赖。 Scientists are studying whether seaweed can be used to produce biofuel on a large scale, in hopes of reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
2. 这片礁石区域附近生长着种类丰富的海藻，为多种海洋生物提供了重要的栖息和觅食场所。 A wide variety of seaweed grows near this rocky reef area, providing an important habitat and feeding ground for many marine species.
3. 近年来，大量海藻在沿海地区异常繁殖，形成绿潮，对当地渔业和旅游业造成了严重影响。 In recent years, seaweed has proliferated abnormally along coastal areas, creating green tides that have severely affected local fisheries and tourism.

Usage Guide

Context: science, food, environment, marine biology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 海藻提取物被广泛应用于护肤品中，具有锁水保湿和抗氧化的功效。(Seaweed extracts are widely used in skincare products for their moisturising and antioxidant properties.)
• 研究人员发现，某些深海海藻含有独特的活性化合物，对多种疾病具有潜在的治疗价值。(Researchers found that certain deep-sea algae contain unique bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic value for a range of diseases.)

Don't Say

• 将海藻与淡水藻类混用 — 海藻 is specifically marine algae; for freshwater algae use 淡水藻类 or 水藻

Origin & History

海 (sea) + 藻 (algae, aquatic plant) — algae found in the sea

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal