水域

• Pinyin: shuǐ yù
• Hanzi breakdown: 水 = water; 域 = 土 (earth) + 口 (boundary) + 戈 (weapon/defense) — a bounded territory defended by force

Meaning

Body of water; waters. A defined expanse of water such as a sea, lake, river, or coastal zone, often with territorial or jurisdictional significance.

Frequently appears in legal, diplomatic, and environmental contexts: 领海水域 (territorial waters), 专属经济水域 (exclusive economic zone), 内陆水域 (inland waters). Also used in environmental protection discussions about water quality in specific zones.

Examples

1. 该国宣布对争议水域拥有主权，引发周边国家强烈抗议。 The country declared sovereignty over the disputed waters, triggering strong protests from neighboring nations.
2. 环保部门对这片水域的水质进行了全面检测，发现污染严重。 Environmental authorities conducted a comprehensive water-quality inspection of the area and found severe pollution.
3. 渔船不得进入军事禁航水域，否则将被依法查扣。 Fishing boats are not allowed to enter restricted military waters; otherwise, they will be seized in accordance with the law.

Usage Guide

Context: law, diplomacy, environment, navigation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 该地区水域面积广阔，生物多样性极为丰富，具有重要的生态保育价值。(The waters of this region cover a vast area and harbour exceptional biodiversity, making them of great ecological conservation value.)
• 根据国际法，沿海国家对其专属经济水域内的资源享有开发与管辖权。(Under international law, coastal states have the right to exploit and jurisdiction over resources within their exclusive economic waters.)

Don't Say

• 水域 ≠ 水面 or 湖泊 — 水域 is a spatial and jurisdictional concept denoting a defined zone; it is not a synonym for a specific lake or the surface of water

Origin & History

水 (water) + 域 (zone, territory, region) — a defined region of water

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal