Translation guide
The English word 'sea' can refer to a large body of salt water, a specific named sea, or be used figuratively. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 海 (うみ), but other words exist for specific contexts.
海
sea
Referring to the sea in general, the ocean, or a large body of salt water.
The most common and general word for 'sea' or 'ocean'. Used in everyday conversation.
I want to go to the sea in summer.
海が荒れている。
The sea is rough.
A more formal or scientific term for 'ocean' or 'sea', often used in written contexts or compound words.
海洋汚染が問題になっている。
Marine pollution has become a problem.
Referring to a specific named sea, such as the Mediterranean Sea or the Sea of Japan.
For most named seas, attach 海 (かい) to the name. For example, 地中海 (ちちゅうかい) for the Mediterranean Sea.
地中海は美しい。
The Mediterranean Sea is beautiful.
日本海側は雪が多い。
The Sea of Japan side gets a lot of snow.
Using 'sea' metaphorically to mean a vast amount or expanse of something.
The pattern [Noun]の海 is used figuratively to mean 'a sea of [noun]', indicating a large amount or expanse.
一面の花の海だ。
It's a sea of flowers as far as the eye can see.
彼は本の海に囲まれている。
He is surrounded by a sea of books.
Referring to the seaside or coastal area, often for leisure.
Means 'seaside' or 'beach', emphasizing the area by the sea.
海辺のカフェで休んだ。
I rested at a seaside cafe.
Means 'coast' or 'shore', often used for geographical descriptions.
海 is the everyday word for 'sea' or 'ocean'. 海洋 is more formal and often used in scientific or written contexts, similar to 'marine' or 'oceanic' in English.
In English, 'going to the sea' often implies going to the beach. In Japanese, 海に行く can mean going to the beach, but if you specifically mean a sandy beach, use ビーチ or 砂浜 (すなはま).
海岸線をドライブした。
We drove along the coastline.