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海港 — meaning in English: harbor

hǎigǎng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for harbour
意义
yìyì
张力
zhānglì
仪表
yíbiǎo
粮食
liángshí
海港
hǎigǎng
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 海港 (hǎigǎng) when discussing maritime activities, such as shipping and trade. It might come up in conversations about economic development in coastal cities or when talking about travel plans involving ferry services between islands.
Synonyms & nuances
While 港口 (gǎngkǒu) can also mean 'port', 海港 specifically emphasizes a harbor with direct access to the sea, often used in contexts involving larger vessels. You would choose 海港 when discussing marine trade routes or large-scale shipping rather than just any port facility.
Culture
The term 海港 (hǎigǎng) literally translates to 'sea port', with '海' (hǎi) meaning 'sea' and '港' (gǎng) meaning 'port'. Harbors have played a crucial role in China's history, serving as gateways for trade and cultural exchange with other nations, notably during the maritime Silk Road era. This word embodies the spirit of connectivity and commerce that is vital to coastal communities.
FAQ
Q.What is the difference between 海港 and 港口?
海港 (hǎigǎng) refers specifically to a harbor that accommodates ocean-going vessels, while 港口 (gǎngkǒu) can refer to any port facility. Use 海港 when emphasizing maritime activities.
Q.How do you use 海港 in a sentence?
You can say, '这个海港是中国最繁忙的港口之一', meaning 'This harbor is one of the busiest ports in China.' It highlights the role of the harbor in facilitating trade.
Q.Is 海港 a formal or informal word?
海港 (hǎigǎng) is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Whether you’re discussing economic reports or chatting with friends about a trip, it fits well.
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