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).
海峡
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).
津軽海峡は本州と北海道の間にある。
The Tsugaru Strait is between Honshu and Hokkaido.
その海峡は幅が狭い。
That strait is narrow.
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).
There are many straits in the Seto Inland Sea.