sung4 saan1 zeon3 ling5崇山峻嶺崇山峻岭
Jyutpingsung4 saan1 zeon3 ling5
Yalesùhng sāan jeun líhng
Definition
Tall and steep mountains.
writtennaturedescriptions
How it's used
This is a formal idiom used primarily in written contexts or descriptive storytelling rather than daily speech. It carries a sense of grandeur and physical challenge, often evoking the image of a difficult journey through rugged terrain. Because it is a four character idiom, it is rarely modified by particles and stands as a complete noun phrase.
Examples
They walked for a long time and finally crossed the tall, steep mountains.
There are tall, steep mountains everywhere there, so transportation is very inconvenient.
Related words
Common phrases
to cross over tall and steep mountains
to climb over rugged mountain ranges
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual conversation, as it sounds overly literary and stiff. It is not a term you would use to describe a small hill or a casual hiking spot in Hong Kong.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
