滨海码头
bīnhǎi mǎtóu
The English word 'marina' can be translated into Chinese as 滨海码头 (bīnhǎi mǎtóu).
滨海码头 is a noun used to describe a harbour.
Meaning: harbour (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The second part of the phrase, 码头 (mǎtóu), literally means 'pier', 'wharf' or 'dock'.
Which one should you use?
While 滨海码头 is a general term for a coastal pier, 游艇码头 (yóutǐng mǎtóu) is a more specific term often used for a marina specifically for yachts.
How do you pronounce it?
bīnhǎi mǎtóu
Did you know?
- In Chinese slang, calling someone a 码头大王 (mǎtóu dàwáng) or 'wharf king' doesn't mean they own a marina, but that they are a powerful local boss or influential figure in their community.
- The character 码 in 码头 originally referred to the stacking of goods on a wharf, but it is now the standard character for 'code' in 'QR code' 二维码 and 'barcode' 条形码.
- While 滨海 (bīnhǎi) is used for coastal marinas, the specific word for the waterfront changes entirely if the marina is located on a river rather than the sea, shifting from 海 (sea) to 河 (river).
Examples in context
- 这座城市有一个美丽的港湾，那里停泊着许多游艇。This city has a beautiful marina where many yachts are moored.
- 咱们今天晚上去码头散步，吹吹海风吧！Let's take a stroll at the marina tonight and enjoy the sea breeze!
- 我们在滨海码头集合。Wǒmen zài bīnhǎi mǎtóu jíhé.We will meet at the marina.
- 这片滨海码头停满了游艇。Zhè piàn bīnhǎi mǎtóu tíng mǎn le yóutǐng.This marina is full of yachts.
Example conversation
Two people are deciding where to meet for a date.
- 伟 Wei雨婷，我们明天在哪里见面？Yǔtíng, wǒmen míngtiān zài nǎlǐ jiànmiàn?Yuting, where shall we meet tomorrow?
- 雨婷 Yuting我们去滨海码头见吧。Wǒmen qù bīnhǎi mǎtóu jiàn ba.Let's meet at the marina.
- 伟 Wei那里风景很好，没问题。Nàlǐ fēngjǐng hěn hǎo, méi wèntí.The scenery there is great, no problem.
- 雨婷 Yuting太好了，明天见！Tài hǎole, míngtiān jiàn!Great, see you tomorrow!
