岩石 yánshí rock
(geology) rock
How to remember 岩石: 岩 cliff + 石 stone = rock.
Characters
How it is used
- The geological/scientific word for rock - 这座山由坚硬的岩石构成 (zhè zuò shān yóu jiānyìng de yánshí gòuchéng) this mountain is made of hard rock.
- Refers to rock as a material or formation (火成岩石, 沉积岩); standard in earth-science and technical contexts.
- Contrast 石头 (shítou), the everyday word for a stone/rock you can pick up. You'd study 岩石 in geology but throw a 石头.
Example sentences
- 浪拍在岩石上。 Làngpāi zài yánshí shàng.The waves crashed against the rocks.
- 一块岩石从上面落下。 Yīkuài yánshí cóng shàngmiàn làxià.A rock fell from above.
- 他的头撞倒了一块岩石。 Tā de tóu zhuàngdào le yīkuài yánshí.He hit his head against a rock.