Meaning and Usage
"沖" (おき) refers to the open sea or offshore area away from the coast. It is commonly used in contexts involving fishing, shipping, weather, and marine activities.
Common Collocations
- 沖に出る: to go out to the open sea
- 沖合いの風: offshore wind
- 沖釣り: fishing in the open sea
Nuances and Register
This word is neutral in tone and used in both formal and informal contexts related to the sea. It often appears in weather reports, maritime news, and everyday conversation about sea activities.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse 沖 (open sea) with 海 (sea in general) or 岸 (shore). 沖 specifically means the area away from the shore, so it implies distance from land rather than just any sea.