Translation guide
A narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water. In Japanese, the most common word is 海峡 (かいきょう).
strait (geographical)
A narrow channel of water connecting two seas or large bodies of water.
The standard word for a geographical strait. Used in names like the Tsugaru Strait (津軽海峡).
The Tsugaru Strait is between Honshu and Hokkaido.
Often used in proper names for narrow straits or channels, especially in the Seto Inland Sea area. Less common as a generic term.
When referring to a specific strait by name, the word 海峡 (かいきょう) is attached after the name, e.g., ドーバー海峡 (Dover Strait).
That strait is narrow.
There are many straits in the Seto Inland Sea.