堀

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 堀(ほり) is a noun for a defensive moat around a castle or a ditch dug to carry water.
• Basic usage: A feature around a castle is 城の周りの堀, while a water channel beside a field is 畑の脇の堀.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Moat and ditch
  • The surrounding object and function show whether it is a defensive moat or a ditch carrying water beside a field.
• Connecting the location
  • The forms 城の周りの堀 and 畑の脇の堀 use の after the location to state where the moat or ditch is.