岩礁(がんしょう)

Refers to rocks or rocky formations in the sea, either exposed above the water surface or submerged. Important in maritime contexts and geography. Japan, as an island nation, has many notable reefs and rocky coastlines.

Common collocations

• 岩礁(がんしょう)に乗(の)り上(あ)げる: to run aground on a reef
• 岩礁(がんしょう)地帯(ちたい): reef zone
• 暗礁(あんしょう): submerged reef (hidden reef)
• 珊瑚(さんご)礁(しょう): coral reef

Similar words

• 暗礁(あんしょう): hidden reef — specifically submerged and not visible; also used figuratively for hidden obstacles (暗礁(あんしょう)に乗(の)り上(あ)げる: to hit a snag)
• 珊瑚(さんご)礁(しょう): coral reef — made of coral rather than rock
• 岩場(いわば): rocky area — can refer to rocky terrain on land as well as in water