Pronunciation: [dˈana͡ʊ] (IPA) 
Danau is a word from the Malay language that means "lake". It is spelled as /dəˈnau/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable sounds like "duh" with a short "a" sound, and the second syllable sounds like "now" with a short "u" sound. In Malay, the letter "a" is pronounced differently depending on its placement in a word. In Danau, the first "a" is pronounced as a short "a" sound while the second "a" is silent.
Danau is a Malay word that translates to "lake" in English. It refers to a large body of water that is typically surrounded by land, usually freshwater and formed by natural and artificial means. Characteristic features of danau include being deep enough to contain water throughout the year, having an inlet and outlet for water flow, and being fed by streams, rivers, or rainfall.
Danau play a significant role in providing habitats for various aquatic organisms and supporting biodiversity. They also serve as water sources for human consumption, agriculture, and industrial activities. In addition, danau often attract tourists, as they offer picturesque landscapes and recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
The size of a danau can vary greatly, ranging from small ponds to enormous expanses of water. They can be found in different parts of the world, including tropical rainforests, high-altitude regions, coastal areas, and urban settings. Some famous examples of danau include Lake Toba in Indonesia, Lake Baikal in Russia, and the Great Lakes of North America.
Overall, the term danau encompasses a broad range of water bodies that play crucial ecological, economic, and cultural roles. Conservation efforts are often necessary to protect these ecosystems from pollution, habitat loss, and overuse, ensuring that they continue to benefit both the environment and human society.
The word "danau" is derived from the Old High German word "tānou", which came from the Proto-Germanic word "tainawo". This Proto-Germanic root, in turn, can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European word "dánu" or "dánaw", meaning "water" or "river". Over time, as the German language evolved, the word "tānou" became "danou" and eventually "danau", which is the modern German word for "lake".
