Strait Meaning in English
word
ˈstɹeɪt
STRAYT
stɹˈeɪt
STRAYT
Definition
A "strait" is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water. It can also mean a very difficult or troubled situation.
Usage & Nuances
Most common in geography for waterways (e.g., 'the Bering Strait'), but the figurative meaning (difficult situation) is formal and less used in modern speech. Don't confuse with 'straight' (not curved).
Spanish: estrecho (geografía) - apuro (situación difícil)Portuguese (BR): estreito (geografia) - aperto (dificuldade)Portuguese (PT): estreito (geografia) - apuro (situação difícil)Chinese (Simplified): 海峡 - 困境 (艰难处境)Chinese (Traditional): 海峽 - 困境 (艱難處境)Hindi: जलडमरूमध्य - कठिन परिस्थितिArabic: مضيق (جغرافي) - ضائقة (موقف صعب)Bengali: প্রণালী - সংকট (অতিমাত্রায় দুর্বিষহ পরিস্থিতি)Russian: пролив - тяжёлое положение (перен.)Japanese: 海峡 - 苦境 (比喩)Vietnamese: eo biển - tình cảnh khó khăn (bóng)Korean: 해협 - 곤경 (비유적)Turkish: boğaz - zor durum (mecazi)Urdu: آبنائے - مشکل حالات (مجازی)Indonesian: selat - kesulitan (kiasan)
Example Sentences
The Bering Strait separates Russia and Alaska.
basic
We sailed through a narrow strait.
basic
A strait connects the two seas.
basic
During the crisis, the company was in serious financial straits.
natural
After days without food, they were in desperate straits.
natural
Getting through the strait was tricky because of the strong currents.
natural