沖

• Reading: おき
• Romaji: oki
• Kanji breakdown: 沖 (oki/chū) — open sea, offshore
• Pronunciation: /o.ki/

Meaning

The open sea; offshore. The area of sea away from the shore.

Refers to the part of the ocean far from the coast. Commonly used in weather reports and fishing contexts, as in 沖に出る (oki ni deru, to go out to sea). Also appears in the place name 沖縄 (Okinawa). It is distinct from 海 (umi, sea) in that 沖 specifically means the offshore or open water area.

Examples

1. 船が沖に出ていきました。 The ship headed out to the open sea.
2. 沖のほうに大きな波が見えます。 I can see big waves out offshore.
3. 沖から強い風が吹いてきた。 A strong wind blew in from the open sea.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, fishing, geography, maritime

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 沖 combines 氵 (water radical) and 中 (middle), suggesting the middle of the water — the open sea away from shore.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal