Translation guide
The Arctic Ocean is a proper noun referring to the ocean around the North Pole. In Japanese, it is almost always translated as 北極海 (ほっきょくかい) or 北氷洋 (ほっぴょうよう). The former is more common in everyday use, while the latter appears in older or more formal contexts.
Referring to the body of water surrounding the Arctic region.
The standard modern term for the Arctic Ocean. Used in geography, news, and daily conversation.
北極海の氷が溶けている。
The ice in the Arctic Ocean is melting.
北極海は地球の最北端に位置する。
The Arctic Ocean is located at the northernmost part of the Earth.
An older or more literary term for the Arctic Ocean. Still understood but less common in modern usage.
北氷洋の探検は困難を極めた。
Exploration of the Arctic Ocean was extremely difficult.