Translation guide
A small body of water in a garden, often decorative, with plants or fish. Japanese gardens frequently feature ponds, so there are specific terms depending on style and context.
A pond in a garden, typically ornamental, with water, plants, and sometimes fish.
The most common and general word for 'pond', including garden ponds. Can be used in everyday conversation.
There is a small pond in the garden.
I planted flowers around the pond.
Refers to a garden pond or fountain, often with a more traditional or aesthetic nuance. Common in Japanese garden contexts.
The garden pond in the Japanese garden is very beautiful.
Literally 'garden pond'. A compound word that is less common but directly translates the concept.
The carp in the garden pond have grown big.
A pond specifically in a traditional Japanese garden, often with koi, shaped with natural aesthetics.
A very small decorative water feature, like a basin or tiny pond, often found in traditional gardens.
A stone water basin used in Japanese gardens for ritual cleansing. Not a pond, but often associated with garden water features. Included because learners might describe it as a 'small pond'.
This is a water basin, not a pond. Use only if the context is a traditional stone basin.
There is a stone water basin in front of the tea room.
A water bowl or basin, sometimes used as a small decorative pond for plants or fish. Can be a container pond.
I keep goldfish in a water bowl.
The direct translation 'ガーデンポンド' (gāden pondo) is a loanword sometimes used for Western-style garden ponds, but it's not common. Stick with 池 (いけ) for natural Japanese.
池 can combine with other words to specify the type of pond, e.g., 庭の池 (にわのいけ, garden pond), 鯉の池 (こいのいけ, koi pond). This is often more natural than a single compound word.
In a pond garden, the pond is the central element.