noun
deep pool; deep water; abyss
Refers to a deep, still part of a river or body of water. Often contrasted with 瀬 (shallow rapids).
See also: 瀬
川の淵には大きな魚が潜んでいる。
Big fish lurk in the deep pools of the river.
彼は淵に飛び込んだ。
He jumped into the deep water.
noun
depths (of despair, etc.); grip (of death, etc.)
Figurative use for being in a deep, inescapable state, such as despair or death. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
彼は絶望の淵に立たされた。
He was driven to the depths of despair.
死の淵から生還した。
He returned from the brink of death.
Rarely used kanji form.
Refers to shallow rapids or a swift current, often contrasted with 淵 (deep pool).
The kanji 淵 depicts deep water. The word ふち is native Japanese, and its exact derivation is uncertain.