zit6巀
Jyutpingzit6
Yalejiht
Definition
A high and steep mountain, or the name of a specific hill.
writtennatureplaces
How it's used
Literary characters describing topography are rarely used in casual speech, and this one is almost exclusively found in formal writing or specific place names. When used in conversation, it sounds highly descriptive and slightly poetic, often emphasizing the difficulty of the climb. It is not a word you would use to describe a gentle slope or a small hill.
Measure word
zo2座jóExamples
That mountain is very steep, let's not hike it.
Related words
Common phrases
towering and steep
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with common adjectives like 高 or 險, but those are general terms. Using this word in everyday conversation can sound overly dramatic or archaic, as it is primarily a descriptive term for rugged, towering peaks.
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.
