faan1 saan1 jyut6 leng5翻山越嶺翻山越岭
Jyutpingfaan1 saan1 jyut6 leng5
Yalefāan sāan yuht léhng
Definition
To cross over many mountains; to make a long and arduous journey.
colloquialtraveldescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is often used with a touch of exaggeration to emphasize the sheer physical effort or distance involved in a trip. While it literally describes crossing mountains, it is frequently applied to any arduous commute or long-distance travel that feels exhausting. It carries a slightly dramatic tone, making it perfect for storytelling or complaining about a difficult journey.
Examples
They traveled over mountains and hills to reach that village.
Do you have to go through such a grueling journey just to get to work?
Related words
Common phrases
to travel over mountains and hills to get to
to travel over mountains and hills to come to
Common mistake
Learners often use this phrase to describe a simple trip, but it is too intense for everyday errands like going to the supermarket. Reserve it for journeys that are genuinely long, difficult, or involve significant obstacles.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
