Meanings of 下海
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Podcast: 下海
Podcast: 下海
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AI study notes for 下海
下水 (xiàshuǐ) refers specifically to entering water for swimming or boating, while 下海 (xiàhǎi) encompasses both physical and metaphorical meanings related to venturing into new or risky endeavors.
'下海' is often used in informal contexts, especially in discussions about career choices. A common mistake is using it too literally; remember it also implies taking risks in life, not just swimming. Be cautious of the tone; it can carry different connotations depending on the context, such as a neutral or negative implication when discussing controversial professions.
Though '下海' is not found in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it aligns with HSK Level 4 themes about careers and personal growth. Students should focus on its metaphorical usage, as understanding idiomatic expressions is crucial for fluency.
Learners often mistakenly use '下海' solely for swimming, missing its figurative meanings. For instance, saying '我下海去游泳' (I go to swim) is not incorrect, but it lacks the depth of the term's broader implications.
Pronunciation of 下海
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Jason Explains 下海 to you
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Component characters
How to say to go out to sea in Chinese
“to go out to sea” in Chinese is下海
The term '下海' literally means 'to go out to sea' and can refer to both physical activities like swimming or boating, as well as metaphorical ones, such as leaving a stable job to pursue a riskier venture. It is commonly used in discussions about career changes, entrepreneurship, or entering professions deemed socially unconventional.
When to use 下海
'下海' is often used in informal contexts, especially in discussions about career choices. A common mistake is using it too literally; remember it also implies taking risks in life, not just swimming. Be cautious of the tone; it can carry different connotations depending on the context, such as a neutral or negative implication when discussing controversial professions.
下海 or something close to it
下水 (xiàshuǐ) refers specifically to entering water for swimming or boating, while 下海 (xiàhǎi) encompasses both physical and metaphorical meanings related to venturing into new or risky endeavors.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use '下海' solely for swimming, missing its figurative meanings. For instance, saying '我下海去游泳' (I go to swim) is not incorrect, but it lacks the depth of the term's broader implications.
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Usage Notes for 下海
The phrase '下海' can refer to both physical and figurative actions. Learners may confuse its literal meaning with its figurative connotation.
他下海去游泳了。
He went out to sea to swim.
她决定下海，辞掉了稳定的工作。
She decided to take the plunge and quit her stable job.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他____去游泳了。
He went out to sea to swim.
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Frequently asked questions about 下海
'下海' can refer to swimming, but it is more commonly used metaphorically to describe taking risks in career or life choices.
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