海岸 — meaning in English: Coast

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

Guess the translation for coast

大学

daigaku

悪夢

akumu

アイテム

aitemu

刑務所

keimusho

海岸

kaigan

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 海岸 (kaigan) when discussing seaside locations, planning beach outings, or describing coastal scenery. For instance, you might hear it when locals recommend a famous beach or when discussing natural disasters like tsunamis that affect coastal areas.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 海岸 (kaigan) is 浜辺 (hamabe), which specifically means 'beach' and often refers to the sandy parts of the coast. You would use 海岸 when emphasizing the broader coastal area, while 浜辺 would be more appropriate for a relaxed, informal context focused on enjoying the beach.

Culture

The term 海岸 (kaigan) is composed of two kanji: 海 (umi), meaning 'sea', and 岸 (gan), meaning 'shore' or 'bank'. Its usage reflects Japan's deep connection with the ocean, as the country's extensive coastline has influenced its culture, cuisine, and even mythology. In fact, many Japanese festivals, such as the famous 'Kankeri Matsuri,' celebrate the beauty and bounty of coastal regions.

FAQ

Q.What does 海岸 (kaigan) mean in English?

海岸 (kaigan) translates to 'coast' in English, referring to the land alongside a sea or ocean. It's often used to describe geographic features or activities associated with the seaside.

Q.How do you use 海岸 (kaigan) in a sentence?

You can use 海岸 in a sentence like '私たちは海岸に行く予定です' (Watashitachi wa kaigan ni iku yotei desu), which means 'We plan to go to the coast.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 海岸 (kaigan)?

A common mistake is confusing 海岸 (kaigan) with other similar terms like 沿岸 (engan), which refers specifically to the area along the coast, rather than the coast itself. Remember that 海岸 emphasizes the coast as a whole.

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