The Kanji: 湖 (Ko / Mizūmi)
The kanji 湖 means "lake." It combines the water radical (氵) with 胡 (ancient term for northern tribes, also used phonetically), creating the image of an expansive body of fresh water. This character specifically describes large inland water bodies.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 湖 (mizūmi) - Lake
この湖はとても深い。
"This lake is very deep."
2. 湖畔 (kohan) - Lakeshore
湖畔を散歩する。
"Walk along the lakeshore."
3. 湖水 (kosui) - Lake water
湖水がきれいだ。
"The lake water is clean."
4. 琵琶湖 (Biwa-ko) - Lake Biwa
琵琶湖は日本最大の湖だ。
"Lake Biwa is Japan's largest lake."
In summary, 湖 specifically refers to lakes and their surrounding environments, appearing in geographical names (琵琶湖) and descriptions of lakeside areas (湖畔) and water quality (湖水).