estanque
nounCEFR B2
What does “estanque” mean in English?
pond — a small body of still water, usually artificial or natural
pond — a small body of still water, usually artificial or natural (estanque del parque; estanque natural)
Example sentences
El estanque del parque alberga una colonia de aves acuáticas que atrae a fotógrafos de toda la región.
The park pond is home to a colony of water birds that attracts photographers from across the region.
El jardín japonés fue diseñado en torno a un estanque central con carpas y plantas flotantes.
The Japanese garden was designed around a central pond with koi and floating plants.
En el estanque del Retiro se puede alquilar una barca y pasear por el agua en un día soleado.
On the Retiro pond you can hire a rowing boat and glide across the water on a sunny day.
How to use it
El estanque (noun, masculine) means 'pond' or 'pool' — a small, usually still body of water, natural or artificial. Key collocations: estanque del parque; estanque natural/artificial; estanque de peces/plantas acuáticas; estanque decorativo. Distinguish from lago (lake — larger, natural), laguna (lagoon/small lake), and piscina (swimming pool). In urban and garden contexts, estanque refers to ornamental garden ponds. The famous estanque del Retiro (Madrid) is a large boating lake.
Common mistake
Estanque (pond, usually small/still) ≠ lago (lake, large/natural). Piscina = swimming pool (for swimming). Estanque de peces = fish pond. Note gender: el estanque (masculine). 'Stagnant pond' = estanque estancado (redundant but used). The Retiro's famous estanque is actually large — in Spain the word scales up to include larger ornamental ponds.