石垣

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 石垣 is read as いしがき and is a noun for a wall or retaining structure built by stacking stones.
• Basic usage: Use 城跡の石垣 for castle stonework and 畑を囲む石垣 for a boundary around a field.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 石壁
  • 石壁 is any stone wall; 石垣 more specifically suggests stacked stonework serving as a boundary, base, or retaining wall.
• Stacked structure and function
  • 石垣 highlights both the layered stone construction and its role in supporting ground or enclosing an area.