峡谷 xiágǔ canyon
canyon; gill; ravine
How to remember 峡谷: 峡 gorge + 谷 valley = canyon.
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How it is used
- A canyon or gorge - a deep, narrow, steep-walled valley - 科罗拉多大峡谷非常壮观 (Kēluólāduō dà xiágǔ fēicháng zhuàngguān) the Grand Canyon is magnificent.
- Emphasizes depth and steep sheer walls, often carved by a river; used for dramatic named canyons.
- Contrast 山谷 (shāngǔ), an ordinary valley with gentler slopes; a 峡谷 is the narrow, precipitous kind.