Ocean in Japanese
"ocean" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "ocean". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
海 is the sea. 大洋 is an ocean as a geographical body. 洋 alone means ocean and also the West — 洋food is Western food — because the West came across it. 沖 is the offing, the sea away from shore.
Top pick
sea, ocean
Reading: kai
9 strokes · nature
Where it comes from
Composed of water (氵) and every (毎). Mother water, vast body of water.
What it carries
Ocean, vastness, adventure. Symbolizes lifeline of island nation Japan.
Related kanji for "ocean"
ocean
you · nature
Composed of water and sheep. Vast ocean.
ocean
chuu · nature
Composed of water and center. Center of water, open sea.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for ocean?
The most common kanji for "ocean" is 海, read as kai. It means sea, ocean. Related kanji: 洋 (ocean), 沖 (ocean).
How many strokes does 海 have?
海 has 9 strokes.