(うんが)

うんが
noun
canal; waterway
1. canal; waterway
An artificial waterway constructed for navigation, irrigation, or water supply.
パナマ運河(うんが)太平洋(たいへいよう)大西洋(たいせいよう)(むす)んでいる。
The Panama Canal connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
運河(うんが)(ふね)(とお)る。
Boats pass through the canal.
この運河(うんが)江戸(えど)時代(じだい)(つく)られた。
This canal was built during the Edo period.

USAGE: Refers to artificial waterways, as opposed to natural rivers.

FAMOUS CANALS:

  • パナマ運河(うんが) (Panama Canal)
  • スエズ運河(うんが) (Suez Canal)
  • 小樽(おたる)運河(うんが) (Otaru Canal - famous tourist spot in Hokkaido)

IN JAPAN: Many historical canals were built for transporting goods, especially during the Edo period. Some have been preserved as scenic spots.

RELATED:

  • 水路(すいろ) (waterway, channel)
  • (かわ) (river - natural)