壕
Meanings
1
A long, narrow excavation. 濠 is a rare variant used when the trench is filled with water (moat).
A deep moat had been dug around the castle.
They dug a trench to prevent the enemy from invading.
2
air-raid shelter; dugout
Only when written 壕
Specifically an underground shelter used during air raids. Written only with 壕.
During the war, people took shelter in air-raid shelters.
Usage patterns
- 壕を掘るto dig a trench/shelter
The soldiers dug a trench during the night.
- 壕に逃げ込むto take refuge in an air-raid shelter
When the air-raid siren sounded, people ran into the shelter.
- 壕に隠れるto hide in a trench
The soldier hid in the trench to avoid the enemy's attack.