悬崖 — meaning in English: cliff

xuányá · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for cliff

警察

jǐngchá

同伴

tóngbàn

悬崖

xuányá

侧面

cèmiàn

实验

shíyàn

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 悬崖 (xuányá) when discussing nature, hiking, or geography, especially in conversations about scenic views or dangerous locations. For example, someone might describe a breathtaking landscape they encountered while traveling or warn friends about the dangers of climbing too close to a cliff's edge.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 峭壁 (qiàobì), which specifically refers to a steep wall or precipice. While 悬崖 generally indicates any type of cliff, 峭壁 conveys a sense of steepness and verticality, making it more suitable for dramatic landscapes.

Culture

The characters 悬 (xuán) meaning 'suspend' and 崖 (yá) meaning 'cliff' richly illustrate the precarious nature of a cliff hanging or jutting out. In Chinese literature and poetry, cliffs are often used as metaphors for life’s challenges or the breathtaking beauty of nature, emphasizing their significance in both physical and philosophical contexts.

FAQ

Q.What does 悬崖 mean in English?

悬崖 (xuányá) translates to 'cliff' in English, referring to a steep rock face that often appears in nature.

Q.How do you use 悬崖 in a sentence?

You can use 悬崖 in sentences like '我们在悬崖边欣赏风景' (Wǒmen zài xuányá biān xīnshǎng fēngjǐng), meaning 'We enjoyed the scenery by the cliff.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 悬崖?

A common mistake is confusing 悬崖 with 陡坡 (dǒupō), which means 'steep slope.' Remember that 悬崖 specifically refers to vertical cliffs.

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