Translation and Meaning of: 沼 - numa

The Japanese word 「沼」 (numa) translates to "swamp" or "marsh" in some languages. This term is used to describe bodies of stagnant water, typically found in low-lying areas, where vegetation such as mosses and grasses have ideal conditions to grow. Swamps are known for their biodiversity and ecological importance, serving as habitats for various forms of aquatic and terrestrial life.

Etymologically, 「沼」 is a kanji composed of two elements. The radical 「氵」 (sanzui) is related to water and suggests that the word is connected to aquatic elements. The other part of the kanji is 「召」 (shou), which in a non-literal sense can relate to "appeal" or "summon", suggesting the idea of a place that "attracts" or "calls" water, forming a marsh. Therefore, the construction of the character reflects the essence of an area stabilized by water.

Historically, swamps 「沼」 have played a significant role in Japanese culture, often occupying spaces in myths and legends as mysterious or spiritually important places. Furthermore, in agricultural practice, swamp regions were seen both as valuable resources for rice cultivation and as challenges due to the wet and often difficult terrain for farming. In modern times, the word numa may also have contemporary and metaphorical connotations, being used to describe situations that are hard to escape, in a way similar to the English "quicksand".

Interestingly, the modern use of the word "numa" has expanded into pop cultural contexts, where it can be used to describe an irresistible fascination for something, particularly in hobbies or fandoms. Just as a swamp attracts and retains water, similarly, passion or obsession can "suck" individuals into a deep interest, showing how language is alive and responds to an ever-evolving culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 沢 (sawa) - A wooded vale or a damp place, often associated with small rivers or streams.
• 池 (ike) - A lake or pond, usually artificial, used for fish farming or recreation.
• 湖 (ko) - A large lake, usually natural, that stands out for its dimensions.
• 河 (kawa) - A river, which flows and is larger than a stream, with various connotations of water movement.
• 沼地 (numachi) - A swamp or marsh area, often associated with dense vegetation and stagnant water.

沼

Romaji: numa
Kana: ぬま
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: pântano;charco;lagoa;lago

Meaning in English: swamp;bog;pond;lake

Definition: The soil is made of water and mud.

Example Sentences - (沼) numa

See below some example sentences:

沼にはまる前に気をつけてください。

Numa ni hamaru mae ni ki wo tsukete kudasai

Please be careful not to get stuck in the swamp.

Please be careful before entering the swamp.

• 沼 - mire, swamp
• に - particle indicating location
• はまる - sink, get stuck
• 前に - before
• 気をつけてください - please be careful