Meanings of 陡峭
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About 陡峭
Podcast: 陡峭
Podcast: 陡峭
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AI Study Notes for 陡峭
陡峭 (dǒu qiào) vs 陡 (dǒu) — use 陡峭 for describing both steepness and sharpness, while 陡 is more limited to steepness alone.
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 陡峭; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in literature or when discussing geography, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless describing a hike or nature.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 陡峭 connects to other advanced vocabulary describing landscapes and abstract concepts like challenges. Focus on using it in descriptive sentences to enhance your vocabulary in discussions about nature or difficult situations.
Learners often confuse 陡峭 with 平坦 (píng tǎn), which means 'flat'. For example, saying '这个山很平坦' (This mountain is flat) when describing a steep mountain is incorrect; the right phrase is '这个山很陡峭'.
Pronunciation of 陡峭
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Component Characters
How to say precipitous in Chinese
“precipitous” in Chinese is陡峭
The term 陡峭 (dǒu qiào) describes something that is very steep or sharp, often referring to slopes or cliffs. It can be used in both literal contexts, such as describing a mountain, and metaphorical contexts, like a steep increase in costs or challenges.
When to use 陡峭
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 陡峭; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in literature or when discussing geography, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless describing a hike or nature.
陡峭 or something close to it
陡峭 (dǒu qiào) vs 陡 (dǒu) — use 陡峭 for describing both steepness and sharpness, while 陡 is more limited to steepness alone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 陡峭 with 平坦 (píng tǎn), which means 'flat'. For example, saying '这个山很平坦' (This mountain is flat) when describing a steep mountain is incorrect; the right phrase is '这个山很陡峭'.
Write 陡峭
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Practice writing 陡峭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 陡峭
陡峭 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
一名男青年从____的岩壁上坠崖身亡。
A young man plunged from a sheer rock face to his death.
Example Sentences for 陡峭 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 陡峭
Yes, 陡峭 can also describe steep increases in prices or difficulties in various contexts.
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