陂

• Topographical: A slope or incline of land, specifically denoting a bank or the perimeter of a body of water.
• Architectural: An artificial earthwork designed to contain or divert water (e.g., dike, dam, levee).
• Hydrological: The reservoir or body of water created or contained by an embankment.

• vs. 坡 (pō): While both mean "slope," 坡 is a general topographical term more common in later Chinese; 陂 retains a specific association with water.
• vs. 埤 (pí): Frequently interchangeable. Where a distinction exists, 埤 often refers to smaller, stagnant ponds, while 陂 suggests larger engineered works or steeper banks.

Determine whether the text refers to the structure (the dam) or the volume (the reservoir). This is typically resolved by the governing verb: verbs of construction or standing suggest the embankment; verbs of filling, draining, or swimming suggest the reservoir.