Definitions

qiào (adjective) high and steep; precipitous
qiào (adjective) stern; severe

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "峭" is structured with the mountain radical "山" on the left and the component "肖" on the right, where "肖" primarily functions as a phonetic element while also contributing to the sense of resemblance to sharp or abrupt forms. Etymologically, it originated to describe steep and precipitous mountain terrain, with its meaning consistently centered on physical steepness. Over time, this meaning extended metaphorically to characterize severity or austerity in human conduct or artistic expression, as seen in terms like "峭直" for stern integrity or "峭拔" for lofty and sharp style. The character's form has not undergone significant alteration, and its semantic development reflects a shift from concrete geographical descriptions to abstract qualities of rigor and harshness.

Example Sentences Hide

这座山非常陡

Zhè zuò shān fēicháng dǒuqiào.

This mountain is very steep.

壁上长满了绿植。

Qiàobì shàng zhǎng mǎn le lǜ zhí.

The cliff is covered with green plants.

他站在壁边缘。

Tā zhàn zài qiàobì biānyuán.

He stands at the edge of the cliff.

的山峰令人惊叹。

Jùnqiào de shānfēng lìng rén jīngtàn.

The steep peaks are amazing.

道路在壁间蜿蜒。

Dàolù zài qiàobì jiān wānyán.

The road winds between cliffs.

这座立的山峰很难攀登。

Zhè zuò qiàolì de shānfēng hěn nán pāndēng.

This steeply standing peak is hard to climb.

的悬崖下是深邃的峡谷。

Dǒuqiào de xuányá xià shì shēnsuì de xiágǔ.

Under the steep cliff is a deep canyon.

面对那面几乎垂直的壁,登山者们小心翼翼地前进。

Miàn duì nà miàn jīhū chuízhí de qiàobì, dēngshān zhě men xiǎoxīn yìyì de qiánjìn.

Facing that almost vertical cliff, the climbers advanced cautiously.