Translation guide
A weir is a low barrier built across a river to control water flow, often for irrigation, measurement, or fishing. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 堰 (せき), but other terms exist depending on the structure and purpose.
A barrier across a river to raise water level or control flow, smaller than a large dam.
The most common and general term for a weir. It can refer to various types of small dams or barriers in rivers.
A weir was built across the river.
Water is flowing over the weir.
Specifically a weir for irrigation purposes, often used in agricultural contexts.
This weir is used to draw water into the rice paddies.
While ダム usually means a large dam, it can sometimes be used for smaller weir-like structures, but 堰 is more precise.
Use 堰 for small barriers; ダム implies a larger structure.
This small dam is also called a weir.
A barrier or trap placed in water to catch fish.
A traditional Japanese fishing weir, typically a wooden structure that guides fish into a trap. Often used in rivers.
Catch sweetfish with a fishing weir.
A fishing weir is set up in the river.
A more formal or literary term for a fishing weir. Rarely used in everyday speech.
堰 (せき) is a small barrier, often allowing water to flow over the top, used for irrigation or flow control. ダム is a large dam that stores water. Use 堰 for weirs and small dams.
A weir is small-scale, while a dam is large-scale.
English speakers may use 'dam' for any barrier, but in Japanese, ダム implies a large structure. For a weir, use 堰.
Fishing weirs have been used since ancient times.