unknown, 11 strokes, radical 山, rank #16249, Very Hard
yá(ya2) T2
1precipice
2cliff
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March 24, 2026
崖yá(ya2)
The character 崖 (yá) primarily means 'precipice' or 'cliff.' It is often used to describe steep rocky formations and is commonly found in geographical contexts, such as mountain ranges and coastal areas. The nuance of the word conveys a sense of danger or height, emphasizing the intimidating nature of these natural features.
Strokes11Radical山Frequency#16249DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry and literature, cliffs are often symbolic of challenges or obstacles to be overcome, reflecting the cultural appreciation for nature's grandeur and the human spirit's resilience.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large 'Y' (the shape of the character) standing on the edge of a steep cliff, looking down at the valley below. The 'Y' represents the sound 'yá,' which can help you remember both the pronunciation and the meaning of a steep drop-off.
Meanings of 崖
yá(ya2)
1precipice
2cliff
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 崖
崖Simplified
11Strokes
山Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#16249Frequency Rank
Podcast: 崖
Podcast: 崖
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AI Study Notes for 崖
Quick Contrast
悬崖 (xuányá) vs 崖 (yá): 悬崖 specifically emphasizes a cliff that is overhanging or steep, while 崖 is a more general term for any cliff or precipice.
Usage Notes
崖 is typically used in both spoken and written contexts, often in conversations about nature or travel. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters like '崇' (chóng), which means 'high' or 'lofty.' Remember to use 崖 in contexts that indicate steepness or danger.
HSK Study Tips
Although 崖 is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary list, it relates to HSK Level 3 words like '山' (shān, mountain) and '高' (gāo, high). Students should focus on recognizing it in context, especially when discussing landscapes or nature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 崖, saying 'yī' instead of 'yá.' Additionally, some may use 崖 interchangeably with '坡' (pō, slope), which is incorrect as坡 refers to a gentler incline.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 崖
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1The giveawayA mountain 山 precipice 厓; 厓 also provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 崖? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 崖?
Decomposition of 崖
IDS Structure⿱山厓
崖Full Character
=
山Shan1
top
厓ya2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 崖?
How to say precipice in Chinese
“precipice” in Chinese is崖yá
The character 崖 (yá) primarily means 'precipice' or 'cliff.' It is often used to describe steep rocky formations and is commonly found in geographical contexts, such as mountain ranges and coastal areas. The nuance of the word conveys a sense of danger or height, emphasizing the intimidating nature of these natural features.
When to use 崖
崖 is typically used in both spoken and written contexts, often in conversations about nature or travel. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters like '崇' (chóng), which means 'high' or 'lofty.' Remember to use 崖 in contexts that indicate steepness or danger.
崖 or something close to it
悬崖 (xuányá) vs 崖 (yá): 悬崖 specifically emphasizes a cliff that is overhanging or steep, while 崖 is a more general term for any cliff or precipice.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 崖, saying 'yī' instead of 'yá.' Additionally, some may use 崖 interchangeably with '坡' (pō, slope), which is incorrect as坡 refers to a gentler incline.
Write 崖
崖
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Practice writing 崖 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 崖
崖 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
一名男青年从陡峭的岩壁上坠____身亡。
A young man plunged from a sheer rock face to his death.
Example Sentences for 崖 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
一名男青年从陡峭的岩壁上坠崖身亡。
yī míng nán qīng nián cóng dǒu qiào de yán bì shàng zhuì yá shēn wáng。
A young man plunged from a sheer rock face to his death.
2
崖沙燕是一种褐羽白腹的鸟。
yá shā yàn shì yī zhǒng hè yǔ bái fù de niǎo。
The sand martin is a brown bird with white underneath.
3
一团油腻的黑色烟雾飘到悬崖顶上。
yī tuán yóu nì de hēi sè yān wù piāo dào xuán yá dǐng shàng。
A pall of oily black smoke drifted over the cliff-top.
