Meaning and Usage
"運河" (うんが) refers to a man-made waterway or canal, often constructed to connect rivers, lakes, or seas for transportation or irrigation. It is a common noun used in both everyday and formal contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "運河" when talking about cities with historic or functional canals, such as Venice or Amsterdam. It can also appear in discussions about urban planning or sightseeing.
Collocations and Patterns
- 運河を渡る (うんがをわたる): to cross a canal, often by boat.
- 運河沿い (うんがぞい): along the canal, used to describe locations or routes.
- 歴史的な運河 (れきしてきなうんが): historical canal, emphasizing cultural or historical significance.
Usage Notes
When using "運河," it usually implies a constructed waterway rather than a natural river or stream. Learners sometimes confuse "川" (river) and "運河"; remember that "運河" is artificial and often associated with navigation or transport. The word is neutral in politeness and can be used in both casual and formal speech.