Learn a Chinese Character - 海 (Hǎi - Sea; ocean)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 氵/shuǐ (water)

Stroke Count: 10 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Hǎi (Third tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: Sea; ocean

Extended Meaning: Large quantity; vast; multitude

Additional Meaning: Used in metaphor to describe something vast or limitless

4. Common Words

• 海洋 (hǎi yáng) - Ocean
  Example: 太平洋是世界上最大的海洋。(Tài píng yáng shì shì jiè shàng zuì dà de hǎi yáng.) - The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world.
• 海边 (hǎi biān) - Seaside; beach
  Example: 我们周末要去海边玩。(Wǒ men zhōu mò yào qù hǎi biān wán.) - We're going to the seaside this weekend.
• 海军 (hǎi jūn) - Navy
  Example: 他是一名海军军官。(Tā shì yī míng hǎi jūn jūn guān.) - He is a navy officer.
• 海底 (hǎi dǐ) - Seabed; ocean floor
  Example: 科学家在海底发现了新物种。(Kē xué jiā zài hǎi dǐ fā xiàn le xīn wù zhǒng.) - Scientists discovered new species on the seabed.
• 海量 (hǎi liàng) - Vast amount; huge quantity
  Example: 这本书包含了海量信息。(Zhè běn shū bāo hán le hǎi liàng xìn xī.) - This book contains a vast amount of information.

5. Grammar & Usage

As a Noun:

• Refer to large bodies of salt water (oceans, seas)
• Used in geographical names (e.g., 黄海 Huáng Hǎi - Yellow Sea)

Figurative Use:

• To describe something vast or numerous (e.g., 海量 hǎi liàng - vast amount)
• Common in idioms and metaphors related to size or quantity

Common Structures:

• X海 (X hǎi) - Sea of X (e.g., 红海 Hóng Hǎi - Red Sea, 脑海 nǎo hǎi - mind [lit. sea of brain])
• 海X (hǎi X) - Sea-related (e.g., 海岸 hǎi àn - coast, 海岛 hǎi dǎo - island)

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the sea (海) has deep symbolic meaning. It is often associated with vastness,包容性, and mystery. The character 海 appears frequently in Chinese idioms, poetry, and literature, often symbolizing something boundless or profound.

Historically, China has had a complex relationship with the sea. While it has a long coastline, traditional Chinese culture was primarily land-based. However, in recent centuries, the sea has become increasingly important for trade, defense, and cultural exchange.

Many Chinese proverbs and idioms use the sea as a metaphor, such as "海纳百川" (Hǎi nà bǎi chuān) which means "The sea accepts hundreds of rivers" and symbolizes tolerance and breadth of mind.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

1. Component Breakdown: The character 海 consists of 氵(water radical) and 每(měi). Remember that 氵indicates the meaning is related to water, and 每 helps with pronunciation.

2. Visual Association: Imagine the water radical (氵) on the left and 每 on the right, representing "water that is vast like..." which connects to the meaning of sea or ocean.

3. Pronunciation Link: The pinyin 'hǎi' rhymes with the English word 'high' but with a falling-rising tone (third tone).

4. Common Word Association: Learn the word 海洋 (hǎi yáng - ocean) first, as it's a common compound with 海 and will help reinforce your memory.

5. Cultural Reference: Remember the idiom "海纳百川" (Hǎi nà bǎi chuān - The sea accepts hundreds of rivers) to connect the character with its cultural significance.