1.
deep pool, deep spot in a river
A deep, still section of a river or stream where the water is calm on the surface but deep below. Contrasts with 瀬 (shallow, fast-flowing section).
川の淵で魚を釣る。
I fish in the deep pool of the river.
この辺りは淵になっていて、泳ぐのは危険だ。
This area is a deep pool, so swimming is dangerous.
瀬と淵が交互に現れる渓流は釣りの名所だ。
A mountain stream where shallows and deep pools alternate is a famous fishing spot.
2.
abyss, depths
Used figuratively for a deep, dark, or unfathomable state, such as the depths of despair or a perilous situation.
絶望の淵に立たされた。
I was driven to the brink of despair.
会社は倒産の淵にあった。
The company was on the verge of bankruptcy.
戦争の淵から辛うじて引き返すことができた。
They barely managed to step back from the brink of war.
USAGE:
In the literal sense, 淵 refers to a deep, quiet section of a river, as opposed to 瀬 (a shallow, fast-flowing section). The proverb 淵瀬を変える (shallows change to deep pools) describes the unpredictability of fortune.
The figurative sense (brink, verge) is extremely common: ～の淵 (the brink of ~). This pattern is used with negative situations like 絶望の淵 (the brink of despair), 死の淵 (the brink of death), and 破滅の淵 (the brink of ruin).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 絶望の淵: the brink of despair
- 死の淵: the brink of death
- 淵に立つ: to stand on the brink
- 瀬と淵: shallows and deep pools