BOHAI Meaning and
Definition
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Bohai refers to a term with multiple meanings and origins. In ancient Chinese history, the word "bohai" referred to a kingdom that existed between the 7th and 10th centuries. The Bohai Kingdom occupied parts of what is now Northeast China, including areas of Liaoning, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia. During its existence, the Bohai Kingdom played a significant role in the region's politics and was a cultural and economic powerhouse.
Modernly, the term "Bohai" is predominantly used to describe a semi-enclosed sea, known as the Bohai Sea, located off the eastern coast of northern China. This sea is an extension of the Yellow Sea and is bordered by the Shandong Peninsula and Liaodong Peninsula. The Bohai Sea serves as an important economic zone for China, with coastal cities like Tianjin and Dalian being major industrial and commercial centers.
Additionally, "Bohai" can also refer to the Bohai Economic Rim, which encompasses several provinces and municipalities that surround the Bohai Sea. This region includes parts of Hebei, Liaoning, and Shandong provinces, as well as the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin. Known for its vibrant economy, industrial development, and strategic location, the Bohai Economic Rim is considered a key growth area in China, attracting significant domestic and international investments.
In summary, "bohai" has historical connotations associated with the ancient Bohai Kingdom, while in a contemporary context, it typically refers to the Bohai Sea or the Bohai Economic Rim.
Etymology of BOHAI
The word "Bohai" has its origins in the Jurchen language, which was spoken by the ancestors of the Manchu people. The Manchu were a Tungusic ethnic group native to Manchuria, a region in Northeast Asia.
In Jurchen, "bo" means "sea" or "ocean", while "hai" means "bay". Thus, "Bohai" translates to "Bo Bay" or "Sea Bay" in English. This name was used to refer to the sea bordered by the Shandong Peninsula and Liaodong Peninsula, located off the coasts of China's Shandong and Liaoning provinces.
The term "Bohai" was later adopted into Mandarin Chinese and became the standard name for that sea. It is also worth noting that the Bohai Sea is an important body of water in China, with a significant impact on the coastal regions in the north of the country.
