Translation and Meaning of: プール - pu-ru

The word 「プール」 (pūru) is a gairaigo derived from the English "pool". It has been incorporated into Japanese vocabulary to refer mainly to swimming pools, whether public, private, or recreational. Written in katakana, 「プール」 reflects the adaptation of the term to the Japanese phonetic system, keeping its pronunciation close to the original and its main meaning.

In everyday use, 「プール」 is often associated with leisure activities and water sports. Phrases like 「プールで泳ぐ」 (Pūru de oyogu), which means "swim in the pool," are common in daily life. The term is also used to designate different types of pools, such as 「屋内プール」 (okunai pūru), "indoor pool," and 「屋外プール」 (okugai pūru), "outdoor pool."

Besides its literal meaning, 「プール」 can be used metaphorically or technically in contexts such as finance or technology. For example, in terms like 「資金プール」 (shikin pūru), "financial resource pool," or in computing, referring to a "pool" of memory or shared resources, the term takes on a more abstract meaning, representing a grouping or reserve.

Historically, 「プール」 was introduced in Japan in the 20th century, when swimming pools began to become popular as recreational and sporting facilities, especially in schools and clubs. The term became widely known and used with the growth of leisure infrastructure and the increase in swimming practice in the country.

Today, 「プール」 is a common and essential word in Japanese, representing both an important physical space for leisure and sports and a concept adaptable to other fields. Its popularity reflects the influence of Western culture on the lifestyle and vocabulary of Japanese.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

水泳場 (Suieijo) - Place intended for swimming practice.
水泳プール (Suieipūru) - Swimming pool, specifically.
水泳施設 (Suieishisetsu) - Swimming facility, including several pools and related areas.
水泳タンク (Suieitanku) - Pool used for swimming, similar to a swimming pool, but usually of smaller dimensions.
スイミングプール (Suimingu pūru) - Swimming pool, term in katakana.
スイムプール (Suimu pūru) - Swimming pool, a term in katakana with a variation in sound.
プール施設 (Pūru shisetsu) - Pool installation can include various types of pools and recreational areas.
プールタンク (Pūru tanku) - Swimming pool tank, emphasizing a design that can be more limited.