峡 (xiá) - gorge, canyon, narrow passage between mountains & often refers to strategic mountain passes or dramatic

峡Tone 2

xiá ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

峡 · xiá

gorge, canyon, narrow passage between mountains;

often refers to strategic mountain passes or dramatic natural formations

gorge, canyon, narrow passage between mountainsoften refers to strategic mountain passes or dramatic

Usage highlights

gorge, canyonThree Gorgesstrait, channelmountain passgorge areagorge scenery

Synonyms

  • 谷— valley, gorge
  • 涧— mountain stream, ravine

Antonyms

  • 原— plain, flatland
  • 坪— level ground

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The Three Gorges Dam is a massive hydroelectric project (三峡大坝).
  • We hiked through a beautiful mountain gorge (峡谷).
  • The Taiwan Strait separates Taiwan from mainland China (台湾海峡).
  • The Qutang Gorge is one of the Three Gorges (瞿塘峡).

Collocations

  • gorge, canyon(峡谷)
  • Three Gorges(三峡)
  • strait, channel(海峡)
  • mountain pass(山峡)
  • gorge area(峡区)
  • gorge scenery(峡景)

Idioms

  • The Three Gorges(三峡)
  • Gorge scenery is magnificent(峡景壮丽)
  • Crossing the strait(跨海峡)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The Three Gorges (三峡) along the Yangtze River are among China's most famous natural landmarks.
  • Historically, gorges served as strategic military passes and important transportation routes.
  • The character appears in geographical names across China, reflecting the country's mountainous terrain.

FAQ