岩礁

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 岩礁, read がんしょう. Elements for rock and shoal combine to denote a rocky reef that may present a navigation hazard.
• Basic usage: 岩礁を避ける describes a boat avoiding the hazard, while 岩礁が現れる describes reefs becoming visible above the water at low tide.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A reef avoided by a boat
  • A small boat enters the bay while steering clear of reefs. Example: 小舟は岩礁を避けながら湾へ入りました。 — The small boat entered the bay while avoiding the reefs.
• Rocks exposed at low tide
  • Black rocky reefs become visible as the tide recedes. Example: 干潮になると海面から黒い岩礁が現れます。 — At low tide, black reefs emerge above the water.