Meaning and Usage
The word "池" (いけ) means "pond" in English. It refers to a small body of still water, often artificial, found in parks, gardens, or natural settings.
Common Contexts
"池" is commonly used when talking about places like parks, gardens, or natural landscapes where ponds are present. It can describe both natural and man-made ponds.
Collocations and Patterns
- 池の周り (いけのまわり): around the pond — used when describing walking or activities near the pond.
- 池に魚がいる (いけにさかながいる): there are fish in the pond — common when talking about wildlife in the pond.
- 大きな池 (おおきないけ): a large pond — describing the size of the pond.
Register and Usage Notes
"池" is a neutral noun and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It is a common word that appears early in Japanese learning (JLPT N5 level).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "池" with "池田" (a common surname) or other water-related words like "川" (river) or "湖" (lake). Remember, "池" specifically means a smaller, still body of water, a pond.