daai6 hoi2大海
Jyutpingdaai6 hoi2
Yaledaaih hói
Definition
The sea; the ocean.
neutralnature
How it's used
Refers specifically to the vast, open sea rather than a small bay or harbour. While 海 is the standard term for any body of saltwater, 大海 carries a poetic or grand connotation, often used when describing the horizon or the immense scale of the water.
Measure word
pin2片pínExamples
I really like staring at the ocean and zoning out.
Did you ever go swimming in the ocean when you were little?
Related words
Common phrases
boundless ocean
Common mistake
Avoid using this in technical or geographical contexts where the specific name of a sea or ocean is required, as it is a descriptive term rather than a formal noun.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
