Quick answer
海 is the kanji for "Sea". The most common reading is うみ (umi). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Sea
Also : Ocean
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 海 represents 'SEA'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of sea.
On-reading: かい — remember this sound by associating it with sea. Kun-reading: うみ.
Example Sentences
海に行って泳ぎました。
うみにいっておよぎました。
I went to the sea and swam.
海外留学をしたいです。
かいがいりゅうがくをしたいです。
I want to study abroad.
Vocabulary using 海
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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