Translation and Meaning of: 海抜 - kaibatsu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about specific words, you may have come across the term 海抜 (かいばつ). This word, which combines the kanji for "sea" and "extract," has a quite practical and interesting meaning. In this article, we will explore what it represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and even some tips for memorizing it. If you want to better understand the technical or geographical vocabulary of Japanese, this guide will help.

The meaning and origin of 海抜

The word 海抜 (かいばつ) is composed of the kanjis 海 (sea) and 抜 (to extract, to remove). Together, they form a term that means "altitude above sea level." This expression is often used in geographical contexts, such as maps and meteorological reports, to indicate the elevation of a location relative to the ocean.

The use of this term dates back to the Meiji period, when Japan modernized its measurement and cartography systems. Before that, altitude references were less standardized, but with the adoption of Western methods, 海抜 became the official way to describe elevations in the country. Today, it is common to see it on informational signs in mountains and tourist areas.

How 海抜 is used in everyday Japanese life

In Japan, 海抜 is not a word that appears in daily conversations, but its use is essential in specific contexts. For example, in mountainous regions or coastal cities, it is common to find signs indicating altitude with this expression. It also appears in weather reports, especially in flood or tsunami alerts, where the elevation of the land is a crucial piece of information.

Furthermore, 海抜 is often used in educational materials, such as geography books and tourist guides. If you have visited Mount Fuji, for example, you may have seen the official altitude marked as 3,776メートル海抜 (3,776 meters above sea level). This type of information helps to contextualize the grandeur of natural landscapes.

Tips for memorizing 海抜

If you are learning Japanese and want to solidify this word, a good strategy is to associate the kanji with its meaning. The first character, 海, represents the sea, while 抜 brings the idea of "removing" or "elevating." Together, they form the mental image of "extracting height from the sea," which makes it easier to .

Another tip is to practice with real examples. When watching maps or documentaries about Japan, pay attention when altitude is mentioned. Repeating phrases like "この山の海抜は高いです" (The altitude of this mountain is high) also helps to consolidate vocabulary. If you use apps like Anki, creating cards with images of signs containing 海抜 can be a great way to review.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 海面高度 (Kaimen Kōdo) - Altitude relative to sea level.
• 海面高 (Kaimen Takai) - A term similar to 海面高度, generally used in more technical contexts.
• 海面標高 (Kaimen Hyōkō) - Height of the point in relation to sea level, often used in topography.
• 海抜高度 (Kaibatsu Kōdo) - Altitude in relation to sea level, emphasizing the measure above sea level.
• 海抜き (Kaibatsu ki) - Expression that implies being above sea level, which can be used in various contexts.
• 海抜標高 (Kaibatsu Hyōkō) - Measurement of height above sea level, with an emphasis on measurement accuracy.