Translation and Meaning of: 池 - ike

If you have ever wondered what 池 (いけ) means in Japanese or how to use this word in everyday life, this article is for you. Here, we will explore everything from the etymology to curiosities about this kanji that represents "pond" or "tank." Additionally, you will discover how to memorize it easily and how it appears in place names and popular expressions in Japan. If you are studying Japanese, take the opportunity to note down phrases and practical examples that can be used in Anki flashcards or other spaced repetition systems.

The kanji 池 is one of those characters that frequently appears in place names, parks, and even in Japanese proverbs. Its origin dates back to ancient China, but its use in Japan has gained its own nuances. Is there a trick to not confuse it with other similar ideograms? And why is it so present in Japanese culture? Let’s unveil all of this below.

Etymology and Origin of the Kanji 池

The kanji 池 has an interesting history. It is composed of the radical 氵(さんずい), which is related to water, and the part 也, which formerly represented a type of snake. Together, these elements form the idea of a "place where water accumulates," such as a pond or reservoir. Interestingly, in ancient China, this character could also be used to describe puddles or small artificial lakes.

In Japan, 池 has gained a more specific meaning, being used mainly for small artificial or natural ponds. While 湖 (みずうみ) refers to larger lakes, 池 is reserved for smaller bodies of water, often found in temples, parks, or traditional gardens. You may have already seen photos of these little ponds in Kyoto, surrounded by stones and colorful koi.

Practical Use and Examples in Everyday Life

In modern Japanese, 池 appears in various contexts. One of the most common is in place names, like 池袋 (Ikebukuro), a famous neighborhood in Tokyo that means "bag of ponds." It is also frequent in parks: anyone who has visited 後楽園 (Kōrakuen) in Okayama must the beautiful central 池. In traditional houses, a 池 often complements the garden, creating a space for contemplation.

Outside of geography, this word appears in expressions like 池の水を抜く (drain the pond), used metaphorically for situations where the truth is revealed completely. And who hasn't heard the proverb 井の中の蛙大海を知らず (the frog in the well does not know the ocean)? Indeed, although it uses 井 (well), the mental image that many Japanese have is precisely of a small 池. These uses show how the concept is rooted in the culture.

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

To avoid confusing 池 with similar kanjis, a good tip is to that it has "water" (氵) + "also" (也). Imagine a snake (也 at its origin) swimming in a pond - the bizarre image helps to fix it! Another trick is to associate it with the sound "ike," which resembles "eike!" as if you fell into the water. It works especially well if you’ve had the unfortunate experience of slipping near a pond.

A little-known fact: in some regional dialects, いけ can have other meanings. In Okinawa, for example, it is sometimes used for flooded areas of cultivation. And in haiku poetry, 池 often symbolizes tranquility or the reflection of the moon - hence its presence in so many classical verses. Want to test your knowledge? The next time you watch an anime or dorama, pay attention: 池 will probably appear in the subtitles sooner or later.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 沼 (numa) - Swamp or wetland
• 湖 (mizuumi) - Lake, a larger body of water
• 水たまり (mizutamari) - Puddle, a small usually water pool
• 水溜り (mizutamari) - Puddle, a variant with the same pronunciation, generally used in more informal contexts.
• 水池 (mizuike) - Lagoon or water reservoir