沢
Meanings
1
Refers to a stream in a mountain or hilly area, often with a sense of a small valley or ravine. The word evokes a natural, scenic watercourse.
The murmur of the mountain stream is pleasant.
There are many small fish in this mountain stream.
2
Refers to a low-lying, waterlogged area such as a swamp or marsh. This sense is less common than the 'mountain stream' meaning and may appear in place names or descriptive contexts.
Rare plants grow in that marsh.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉の沢を下るto descend a mountain stream (in a valley)
The climbers descended the mountain stream and came out at a river.
- 沢沿いに歩くto walk along a mountain stream
Walking along the mountain stream, you can feel a cool breeze.