‘Hǎi fēng’ literally means 'sea wind' — combining 海 (hǎi), meaning 'sea' or 'ocean', and 风 (fēng), meaning 'wind'. It refers specifically to the cool, moist breeze that blows from the sea toward the land, especially during daytime hours in coastal areas. This phenomenon occurs due to temperature differences between land and water: land heats up faster, causing warm air to rise and drawing in cooler air from over the sea.

The term is commonly used in weather descriptions, travel writing, poetry, and everyday conversation about coastal life. It evokes imagery of relaxation, freshness, and natural rhythm — often associated with seaside walks, fishing villages, or summer holidays. While it’s a neutral, descriptive noun, it carries gentle, positive connotations and rarely appears in formal technical meteorology (where terms like 'sea breeze circulation' are preferred).