Meaning and Usage
"ダム" refers to a dam, a structure built to block or control water flow, often for flood control, water supply, or hydroelectric power. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation when discussing geography, environment, or infrastructure.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "ダム" in news reports about weather, natural disasters, or construction projects. It can also appear in leisure contexts, such as fishing or sightseeing near dam lakes.
Collocations and Patterns
- ダムを建設する: to build a dam, used when talking about construction or engineering projects.
- ダムの水位: water level of the dam, important in weather or safety discussions.
- ダム湖: dam lake, the reservoir formed by the dam, often a recreational spot.
Register and Nuance
"ダム" is a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a loanword from English, so it is written in katakana.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "ダム" with "ため池" (ためいけ), which means a smaller, often agricultural reservoir or pond. "ダム" usually refers to larger, engineered structures.