noun HSK 5
sea area · maritime zone · waters
Meaning
海域 refers to a defined area or region of the sea or ocean. It is commonly used in formal, geographical, and legal contexts to describe territorial waters, fishing zones, or any demarcated maritime region.
Usage
This is a relatively formal term used in news reports, geography, military contexts, and legal discussions about maritime boundaries. In everyday conversation, people more often say 海 (sea) or 水域 (waters) unless specifically discussing defined maritime zones or territorial issues.
Examples
- 01这片海域是重要的渔业资源区。.This sea area is an important fishery resource zone.
- 02台风将影响东部沿海海域。.The typhoon will affect the eastern coastal waters.
Characters
Measure words
- 片一片海域
- 处几处海域
Common collocations
- 南海海域South China Sea area
- 周边海域surrounding waters
- 禁止进入海域restricted waters
- 专属经济海域exclusive economic zone
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 海 (sea) with 域 (domain/region), creating a straightforward term meaning 'sea region' that emerged in modern Chinese for administrative and geographical purposes.