陡 (dǒu) - steep, precipitous & suddenly, abruptly

陡Tone 3

dǒu ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 阝

丁恩

陡 · dǒu

steep, precipitous;

suddenly, abruptly

steep, precipitoussuddenly, abruptly

Usage highlights

steep slopeprecipitous cliffsudden changesharp increasesteep mountainabrupt turn

Synonyms

  • 峭— precipitous, steep
  • 峻— high and steep
  • 险— dangerously steep

Antonyms

  • 平— flat, level
  • 缓— gentle, gradual
  • 坦— smooth, even

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The mountain path is very steep (陡峭的山路).
  • The temperature dropped suddenly (气温陡降).
  • He suddenly changed his mind (他陡地改变了主意).
  • The cliff is dangerously steep (悬崖很陡).

Collocations

  • steep slope(陡坡)
  • precipitous cliff(陡崖)
  • sudden change(陡变)
  • sharp increase(陡增)
  • steep mountain(陡山)
  • abrupt turn(陡转)

Idioms

  • Suddenly enlightened(豁然开朗)
  • Abrupt change of situation(形势陡变)
  • Steep and dangerous path(陡险之路)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in geographical descriptions of China's mountainous terrain.
  • Associated with challenging journeys and sudden changes in classical literature.
  • Used metaphorically for abrupt changes in circumstances or emotions.

FAQ