Literal translation:
* 海星 (hǎixīng): This literally translates to "sea star," and is the most common and widely understood translation for "starfish."
Other options:
* 五角星 (wǔjiǎoxīng): This translates to "five-pointed star," and can be used if you want to emphasize the starfish's shape.
* 海盘车 (hǎipánchē): This literally means "sea plate vehicle," and is a more colloquial term used in some regions.
Considerations:
* Formal vs. informal: "海星" (hǎixīng) is the more formal and widely understood term.
* Specific type: If you're referring to a specific type of starfish, you might use a more specific scientific name or a descriptive term in Chinese.
Ultimately, the best way to translate "starfish" depends on the context of your communication.