Meaning and Usage
"濠" (ほり) specifically refers to a moat, a deep, broad ditch usually filled with water surrounding a castle or fortress for defense. It is a common term in historical or architectural contexts.
Common Collocations
- 濠を掘る (ほりをほる): to dig a moat, often used when describing castle construction.
- 濠を渡る (ほりをわたる): to cross a moat, typically by bridge.
- 濠の水 (ほりのみず): the water in the moat, often mentioned when discussing the ecosystem.
Usage Notes
This word is mostly used in formal or historical contexts rather than everyday conversation. When talking about modern water features, other words like "堀" (also read ほり) might be used interchangeably, but "濠" has a stronger association with defensive moats around castles.
Common Confusion
Learners sometimes confuse "濠" with "堀" since both can be read as ほり and mean ditch or moat. "濠" usually implies a water-filled moat, especially in historical settings, while "堀" can be a more general term for any ditch or trench.