About
The character "堑" derives from its traditional form "塹", which is structured with the component "斬" meaning to chop and the radical "土" for earth, etymologically indicating a trench cut into the ground. Its core meaning historically referred to a physical moat or ditch, but over time it expanded to encompass metaphorical uses denoting obstacles or defeats, as seen in classical expressions. The simplified form "堑" substitutes "斬" with "斩" while keeping "土", continuing to reflect the original notion of excavating earth.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
长江是一道天堑。
古代城墙外都有护城堑。
工程队正在挖掘一条深堑。
楚汉相争时，鸿沟成为军事天堑。
他们克服了技术上的重重堑壕。
这段路堑的边坡需要加固。
人生的沟堑有时需要勇气才能跨越。
工程师们设计了一条穿过山脊的路堑。