Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'lake' is 湖 (みずうみ). There are also specific terms for large lakes, brackish lakes, and metaphorical uses.
Referring to a lake in general, a body of water surrounded by land.
The standard, everyday word for 'lake'. Used for most lakes, from small to large.
この湖はとてもきれいです。
This lake is very beautiful.
湖で泳いではいけません。
You must not swim in the lake.
Loanword from English, used mainly in proper names (e.g., Lake Town) or stylistic contexts. Not used in normal conversation.
レイクタウンに行きましょう。
Let's go to Lake Town.
Referring to a very large lake, sometimes called an inland sea.
Still the standard term even for large lakes like Lake Biwa.
琵琶湖は日本で一番大きい湖です。
Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan.
Literally 'great lake', used in geographical or formal names, but not in everyday speech.
五大湖は北米にあります。
The Great Lakes are in North America.
A lake connected to the sea with brackish water.
Refers specifically to a lagoon or brackish lake, often found in place names like 新潟 (Niigata). Not used as a general term.
新潟は日本海に面しています。
Niigata faces the Sea of Japan.
In casual contexts, even brackish lakes may simply be called 湖.
Using 'lake' figuratively to describe a large amount of liquid.
The pattern 'noun + の湖' can be used metaphorically, similar to English.
彼女の目の前には涙の湖が広がっていた。
A lake of tears spread before her eyes.
サロマ湖は北海道にある大きな湖です。
Lake Saroma is a large lake in Hokkaido.