At sea Meaning in English
expression
ˈæt/ /ˈsi
AT SEE
ˈæt/ /sˈiː
AT SEE
Definition
Literally, 'at sea' means being on the ocean; figuratively, it means feeling confused or unsure about what to do.
Usage & Nuances
Use literally for physical location (ships, travel). The idiom 'at sea' means confused or unsure, especially when you lack information or understanding. Common in spoken and written English. It's not used for regular everyday minor confusion, but for more significant uncertainty.
Spanish: en el mar - confundido (figurado)Portuguese (BR): no mar - confuso (sentido figurado)Portuguese (PT): no mar - confuso (sentido figurado)Chinese (Simplified): 在海上 - 不知所措（比喻）Chinese (Traditional): 在海上 - 不知所措（比喻）Hindi: समुद्र में - उलझन में (रूपक)Arabic: في البحر - مرتبك (مجازي)Bengali: সমুদ্রে - বিভ্রান্ত (রূপক অর্থে)Russian: в море - в замешательстве (переносное)Japanese: 海上で - 困惑して（比喩的）Vietnamese: trên biển - bối rối (nghĩa bóng)Korean: 바다에 - 혼란스러운 (비유적)Turkish: denizde - kafası karışık (mecazi)Urdu: سمندر میں - الجھن میں (مجازاً)Indonesian: di laut - bingung (kiasan)
Example Sentences
The ship is at sea for two weeks.
basic
I felt at sea during the math lesson.
basic
Her father works at sea on a fishing boat.
basic
Honestly, I'm completely at sea with all these new rules.
natural
If you ask me about taxes, I'm totally at sea!
natural
When she first started the job, she was a bit at sea, but now she's confident.
natural