Translation guide
The English word 'beach' refers to a sandy or pebbly shore by the sea or a lake. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 浜 (hama), but other words like 海岸 (kaigan) and ビーチ (bīchi) are used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right term and use it naturally.
beach (sandy shore)
Referring to a beach as a place, often for recreation or as a geographical feature.
The most common and natural word for 'beach' in everyday conversation. It specifically refers to the sandy or pebbly area by the sea.
In summer, I often swim at the beach.
That beach is famous for its white sand.
Means 'coast' or 'seashore', but often used to refer to a beach area, especially in more formal or geographical contexts. It can also refer to the coastline in general.
Loanword from English, used especially for resort beaches, beach activities, or in compound words. It has a modern, sometimes fashionable nuance.
Specifically a 'sandy beach', emphasizing the sand. Used when distinguishing from rocky or pebbly shores.
Expressing the action of visiting the beach for leisure.
Literally 'go to the sea', this is the most natural way to say 'go to the beach' in Japanese. It implies going to the seaside for swimming or relaxation.
Want to go to the beach this weekend?
I went to the beach yesterday and had a great time.
Also means 'go to the beach', but more specifically to the sandy shore. Slightly less common than 海に行く for the activity.
Using 'beach' to describe something related to the beach.
In compound nouns, ビーチ is often used, similar to English. It's common for items or activities associated with resort-style beaches.
Bring a beach towel.
I wore flip-flops (beach sandals).
Using 浜の to mean 'of the beach'. This is more traditional and often used for natural features or local things.
Let's rest at the beach hut.
浜 (hama) is the most direct and common word for 'beach' as a sandy shore. 海岸 (kaigan) is broader, meaning 'coast' or 'seashore', and can be used in formal contexts or when referring to the coastline. ビーチ (bīchi) is a loanword often used for resort beaches or in compound words like ビーチバレー (beach volleyball). For everyday conversation about going to the beach, 海に行く (umi ni iku) is the most natural expression.
This beach is quiet and nice.
We drove along the coastline.
I enjoyed sunbathing on the beach.
While you can say 浜に行く, the most natural way to say 'go to the beach' is 海に行く (go to the sea). Using ビーチに行く is also possible but sounds more like going to a specific resort beach. Avoid directly translating 'beach' as a destination without considering the natural Japanese phrase.
I plan to go to the beach during summer vacation.
Let's go to the beach tomorrow.
The beach was crowded with tourists.
I bought a beach umbrella.
海岸で貝殻を拾いました。
I picked up shells on the beach.
The waves are high at this beach.
ビーチでバレーボールをしよう。
Let's play volleyball on the beach.
That beach is really beautiful, isn't it?
子供たちは砂浜で遊んでいます。
The children are playing on the sandy beach.
Let's go to the beach and build a sandcastle.