Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'pond' is 池 (ike). However, there are also more specific terms for traditional Japanese garden ponds, and some related words for small bodies of water.
A small body of still water, natural or artificial, smaller than a lake.
The standard, everyday word for a pond. Used for both natural and man-made ponds, including garden ponds.
There are many carp in the pond at the park.
The children are swimming in the pond.
A pond specifically designed as part of a Japanese landscape garden, often with koi and carefully arranged rocks.
Refers to a pond or water feature in a traditional Japanese garden, often with a naturalistic design. More formal and literary than 池.
The pond in the Japanese garden is very beautiful.
A technical term used in garden design for a pond or lake in a garden. Rare in everyday conversation.
A very small natural pond, often in a forest or mountain area.
Usually means 'swamp' or 'marsh', but can refer to a small, shallow pond, especially in natural settings. Be careful: 沼 often implies muddy or stagnant water.
Do not use 沼 for a clean garden pond; it suggests a wild, muddy place.
There was a small pond in the forest.
Literally 'puddle', but can be used for a very small, temporary pond of rainwater. Not for permanent ponds.
池 (ike) is a pond, while 湖 (mizuumi) is a lake. Lakes are generally larger and deeper. If you're unsure, 池 is safer for small bodies of water, but for large lakes like Lake Biwa, use 湖.
The English verb 'to pond' (as in to form a pond, or in computing) does not have a direct Japanese equivalent. Use a phrase like 池になる (ike ni naru) for 'to become a pond'.
The stroll garden with a central pond is one style of Japanese garden.
雨上がりに水たまりができた。
A puddle formed after the rain.