沼
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swamp, marsh, bog, pond, obsession
/numa/
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A wetland area such as a swamp or marsh, and by extension a figurative state of being deeply absorbed in something.
Examples
古い地図では沼が広がっていたが、今は開発で埋め立てられた。
Old maps showed the swamp spreading, but it has been reclaimed by development now.
彼は新しいゲームの沼にハマって、仕事をさぼり始めた。
He fell into an obsession with the new game and started skipping work.
ハイキングで沼の周りを歩いたら、珍しい植物を見つけた。
While hiking around the swamp, I discovered rare plants.
雨が続くと沼の水位が上がり、道路が通れなくなる。
When rain continues, the water level of the swamp rises and roads become impassable.
この沼は保護区に指定されており、野生動物が安全に暮らせる。
This swamp is designated as a reserve, allowing wildlife to live safely.
Meanings
Usage
Use 沼 for a natural wetland area such as a marsh or pond.
Examples
この地域は広大な沼で、夏になると多くの鳥が集まります。
This region is a vast swamp, and many birds gather there in summer.
ハイキングで沼の周りを歩いたら、珍しい植物を見つけた。
While hiking around the swamp, I discovered rare plants.
雨が続くと沼の水位が上がり、道路が通れなくなる。
When rain continues, the water level of the swamp rises and roads become impassable.
カメラで沼の風景を撮影したら、幻想的な写真ができた。
When I photographed the swamp scenery, I got a dreamy picture.
この沼は保護区に指定されており、野生動物が安全に暮らせる。
This swamp is designated as a reserve, allowing wildlife to live safely.
古い地図では沼が広がっていたが、今は開発で埋め立てられた。
Old maps showed the swamp spreading, but it has been reclaimed by development now.
Common mistakes
The term is sometimes applied to dry or deep water bodies, which changes the meaning.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| この沼は深い湖です。
| この沼は浅い湿地です。
|
| 沼は乾いた土地です。
| 沼は水が多い湿った土地です。
|
| 沼で泳げます。
| 沼は水が濁っていて泳げません。
|
Usage
Use 沼 for describing a strong, often unhealthy, fascination with something.
Examples
彼は新しいゲームの沼にハマって、仕事をさぼり始めた。
He fell into an obsession with the new game and started skipping work.
このドラマの沼から抜け出せない。
I can't get out of the obsession with this drama.
SNSの沼に飲み込まれたように感じる。
I feel swallowed by the obsession of social media.
趣味の沼が深くなるほど、時間がなくなる。
The deeper the obsession with a hobby, the less time I have.
彼女はアイドルの沼にハマって、グッズを集めている。
She is caught in an obsession with the idol and collects merchandise.
一度沼に入ると、抜け出すのは難しい。
Once you fall into an obsession, it's hard to get out.
Common mistakes
The word is sometimes used for mild interest, which dilutes the figurative meaning.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| 彼は映画の沼がある。
| 彼は映画に興味がある。
|
| この沼は楽しいです。
| この沼にハマると抜け出せなくなる。
|
| 沼に入ると危険です。
| 沼にハマると抜け出せなくなる。
|
Usage
Choose 沼 for literal wetlands or for the slang sense of a strong, hard‑to‑escape fixation, matching the context.
Common mistakes
The third‑person -s is dropped, giving he run for he runs.
Etymology
From Old Chinese nɯːm meaning “marsh”, composed of the water radical 氵 and the phonetic 召.
FAQ
What does 沼 mean in Japanese?
It means a swamp, marsh, or pond, and informally it describes a deep obsession with something.
Is 沼 used only for literal wetlands?
No, it is also used figuratively to refer to a strong, hard‑to‑escape fixation.
Can I use 沼 to talk about a hobby I like?
Use it only when the hobby has become an intense, almost addictive interest.
What is the kanji composition of 沼?
It combines the water radical 氵 with the phonetic component 召.
It is a noun; the verb form is expressed with phrases like 沼にハマる.
What are some synonyms for the literal sense of 沼?
湿地, 沼地, 湿原, 泥沼, 湿潤地, 水辺, 湿地帯.
What are common mistakes when using 沼 figuratively?
Using it for mild interest, mixing it with literal meanings, or applying it to safe activities.
Where does the word 沼 come from?
It originates from Old Chinese nɯːm, meaning “marsh”, and has been used in Japanese for centuries.
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