Definition
A large body of salt water, smaller than an ocean. Often used to evoke nature, distance, or freedom.
Example
Летом мы каждый день ходили на море.
Show translation
In summer we went to the sea every day.
Etymology
From Proto-Slavic *morje, cognate with Latin *mare* (sea), Old English *mere* (lake, sea), and Sanskrit *maryādā* (boundary). The shared Indo-European root *móri- likely referred to a large standing body of water. This makes Russian море a close cousin of French *mer*, Spanish *mar*, and even English *mermaid*.
Cultural note
Russia has coastlines on twelve seas, yet for many Russians — especially those inland — «море» carries a strongly emotional, almost mythic quality. «Поехать на море» (to go to the sea) is the quintessential summer holiday goal, historically associated with the Black Sea resorts of Sochi or Crimea. The phrase «море возможностей» (a sea of opportunities) is a very common idiom. Note: don't confuse море (sea) with озеро (lake) — Russian makes a sharp distinction, while English speakers sometimes blur these.