gong1 saan1江山
Jyutpinggong1 saan1
Yalegōng sāan
Definition
Rivers and mountains, referring figuratively to natural scenery, sovereign territory, or state power.
- rivers and mountains; landscape; natural scenery
- figurativesovereign territory; state power; country
neutralnatureother
How it's used
Beyond its literal meaning of landscape, this term is heavily loaded with political connotations. It frequently appears in historical dramas or discussions about power, where it refers to the stability and control of a nation or regime. When used in casual conversation, it often sounds slightly dramatic or literary, so it is rarely used to describe a simple park or neighborhood view.
Examples
The scenery here is truly beautiful.
It is easier to conquer a territory than to maintain it.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a casual view of nature like a beach or a garden, as it carries a sense of grandeur and scale that makes it sound out of place in mundane contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
