沿岸

• Reading: えんがん
• Romaji: engan
• Kanji breakdown: 沿 (en) — along, follow; 岸 (gan) — shore, bank, coast
• Pronunciation: /eɴ.ɡaɴ/

Meaning

Coast; shore; coastal area along a body of water.

Describes the land area along a sea, lake, or river. Frequently used in news reports about weather, natural disasters, and fishing industries. Often appears in compound forms like 沿岸部 (coastal region) or 沿岸漁業 (coastal fishing).

Examples

1. 台風が沿岸に近づいているので注意してください。 Please be careful as a typhoon is approaching the coast.
2. 沿岸部では津波の警報が発令された。 A tsunami warning was issued for the coastal area.
3. この地域の沿岸漁業は昔から盛んだ。 Coastal fishing has been thriving in this area for a long time.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, weather reports, fishing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 沿 (along, following) + 岸 (shore, bank). Both are Sino-Japanese readings reflecting geographic terminology.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal