When the tide goes out, you can pick up lots of shells on the shoals.
Tips
usage
Common in nautical and travel contexts. 浅 (shallow) + 滩 (beach, shoal). The danger sense pairs with 搁浅 (gēqiǎn, to run aground) — boats hitting 浅滩. Distinguish from 沙滩 (shātān, sandy beach for swimming) which is recreational.
