Refers to a ridge of rock, coral, or sand near the surface of the sea. Often used in compound words like 珊瑚礁 (coral reef) or 暗礁 (hidden reef).
The ship ran aground on a hidden reef.
There are many coral reefs in this sea area.
coral reef
reef; rocky reef
atoll; circular coral reef
reef; sunken rock · hidden difficulty; pitfall
Standard kanji spelling for 'reef'.
The kanji 礁 is composed of 石 (stone) and 焦 (scorch/focus), suggesting a stone formation that is visible or dangerous. The reading しょう is the on'yomi.