Meanings of 海啸
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Podcast: 海啸
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AI study notes for 海啸
潮汐 (cháoxī, tide) - use 海啸 for catastrophic wave events, while 潮汐 refers to regular, predictable changes in sea level.
Be careful not to confuse 海啸 with other types of waves or floods, as it specifically denotes a tsunami. This term is more formal and is typically used in scientific or emergency contexts. It is often paired with words like '警报' (jǐng bào - warning) or '灾害' (zāi hài - disaster).
Although 海啸 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it is useful for learners at the intermediate level (HSK 3-4) to understand natural disaster terminology. Focus on recognizing the characters and their components, as well as practicing related vocabulary such as '地震' (earthquake) and '波浪' (waves).
Learners often mix up 海啸 with '洪水' (hóng shuǐ - flood) or '浪' (làng - wave). For example, saying '海啸是洪水' (hǎi xiào shì hóng shuǐ - tsunami is a flood) is incorrect; the correct distinction is '海啸是由海底地震引起的' (hǎi xiào shì yóu hǎi dǐ dì zhèn yǐn qǐ de - a tsunami is caused by underwater earthquakes).
Pronunciation of 海啸
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Component characters
How to say tsunami in Chinese
“tsunami” in Chinese is海啸
海啸 (hǎi xiào) refers to a tsunami, which is a series of large ocean waves caused by underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. This term is commonly used in discussions about natural disasters, weather reports, and environmental studies. It embodies the destructive power of water and often evokes a sense of urgency and danger.
When to use 海啸
Be careful not to confuse 海啸 with other types of waves or floods, as it specifically denotes a tsunami. This term is more formal and is typically used in scientific or emergency contexts. It is often paired with words like '警报' (jǐng bào - warning) or '灾害' (zāi hài - disaster).
海啸 or something close to it
潮汐 (cháoxī, tide) - use 海啸 for catastrophic wave events, while 潮汐 refers to regular, predictable changes in sea level.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 海啸 with '洪水' (hóng shuǐ - flood) or '浪' (làng - wave). For example, saying '海啸是洪水' (hǎi xiào shì hóng shuǐ - tsunami is a flood) is incorrect; the correct distinction is '海啸是由海底地震引起的' (hǎi xiào shì yóu hǎi dǐ dì zhèn yǐn qǐ de - a tsunami is caused by underwater earthquakes).
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Frequently asked questions about 海啸
海啸 specifically refers to tsunamis, which are caused by underwater disturbances, while other waves may be due to wind or tides.
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