塹 (qiàn) - moat & chasm

塹Tone 4

qiàn ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

塹 · qiàn

moat;

chasm;

trench;

a deep ditch used for defense or as an obstacle.

moatchasmtrench

Usage highlights

defensive moattrench warfarenatural chasmdeep ravinedig a trenchfill a moat

Synonyms

  • 壕— trench, ditch
  • 溝— ditch, channel

Antonyms

  • 丘— hill, mound
  • 陵— hill, mound

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The castle was protected by a deep moat (城塹).
  • They dug a defensive trench (塹壕) around the perimeter.
  • The canyon formed a natural chasm (天塹).
  • Overcoming difficulties is like filling a chasm (塹壑).

Collocations

  • defensive moat(城塹)
  • trench warfare(塹壕戰)
  • natural chasm(天塹)
  • deep ravine(溝塹)
  • dig a trench(挖塹)
  • fill a moat(填塹)

Idioms

  • A natural chasm(天塹)
  • High city, deep moat(高城深塹)
  • Trenches and fortifications(溝塹壘壁)
  • Overcoming obstacles and filling chasms(塹山塡谷)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically used in military defense as protective ditches around cities and fortifications.
  • Appears in classical texts describing geographical barriers and strategic defenses.
  • Metaphorically represents obstacles or difficulties that must be overcome.

FAQ