河口

• Reading: かこう
• Romaji: kakou
• Kanji breakdown: 河 (ka/kawa) — river; 口 (kou/kuchi) — mouth, opening
• Pronunciation: /ka.koː/

Meaning

Mouth of a river; estuary. The point where a river meets the sea or a lake.

Describes where a river empties into a larger body of water. Can function as a no-adjective (河口の). River mouths are often areas of ecological importance and human settlement. Common in geography education and environmental discussions.

Examples

1. 河口の近くには広い干潟がある。 There are wide tidal flats near the mouth of the river.
2. 河口付近は魚がたくさん集まる場所だ。 The area around the river mouth is a place where lots of fish gather.
3. この川の河口は太平洋に面している。 The mouth of this river faces the Pacific Ocean.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, ecology, fishing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 河 (ka, river) and 口 (kou, mouth/opening). Literally 'river mouth,' describing the opening where a river flows into the sea.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal