unknown, 11 strokes, radical 山, rank #16249, Very Hard
yá(ya2)ya T2
1precipice
2cliff
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 崖 means.
About 崖
崖Simplified
11Strokes
山Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#16249Frequency Rank
Podcast: 崖
Podcast: 崖
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 崖 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 崖 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 崖?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 崖 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 崖 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
