Meaning and Usage
"海滩" (hǎitān) refers specifically to a sandy or pebbly shore by the sea or ocean. It is a common noun used to describe places where people often go for leisure activities such as swimming, sunbathing, or collecting shells.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in travel, weather reports, and daily conversations about outdoor activities. It often appears with verbs like 去 (go), 玩 (play), or 描述 (describe).
Collocations and Patterns
- 海滩上 (on the beach): used to describe something happening or located on the beach.
- 去海滩 (go to the beach): a common phrase for leisure or vacation plans.
- 海滩日落 (beach sunset): describing the scenic view at the beach.
Usage Notes
"海滩" emphasizes the natural shore area, often sandy, and is distinct from "海岸" which can refer more broadly to any coastline including rocky or cliff areas. When talking about beaches in a casual or recreational context, "海滩" is the preferred term.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "海滩" with "沙滩" (shātān), which also means beach but emphasizes the sandy aspect more explicitly. "海滩" can include rocky or mixed terrain beaches, while "沙滩" strictly means sandy beach.