垲 (kǎi) - High and dry land & elevated and well-drained ground

垲Tone 3

kǎi ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

垲 · kǎi

High and dry land;

elevated and well-drained ground;

arid and open terrain.

High and dry landelevated and well-drained groundarid and open terrain.

Usage highlights

High and dry groundDry and elevated terrainWellArid elevated areaSuitable high groundDry and spacious

Synonyms

  • 高— high, elevated
  • 燥— dry, arid
  • 爽— clear, bright, refreshing

Antonyms

  • 湿— wet, damp
  • 低— low, low-lying
  • 洼— depression, low-lying area

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The house is built on high ground (地势高垲).
  • They prefer living in dry, elevated areas (喜欢住在高垲的地方).
  • This location is well-drained and suitable for construction (这块地高垲适合建筑).

Collocations

  • High and dry ground(高垲)
  • Dry and elevated terrain(垲燥)
  • Well-drained land(垲地)
  • Arid elevated area(垲垲)
  • Suitable high ground(宜垲)
  • Dry and spacious(垲敞)

Idioms

  • High and dry terrain(高垲之地)
  • Dry and well-drained land(垲燥之土)
  • Suitable elevated ground(宜垲之所)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese architecture and geomancy (风水), 垲 land was considered ideal for building homes as it was well-drained and less prone to dampness.
  • The character reflects ancient Chinese wisdom about settlement planning, preferring elevated, dry locations for health and practical reasons.
  • Used in classical texts to describe optimal living environments, particularly in southern China where humidity was a concern.

FAQ