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March 24, 2026
岩石yánshí(yan2shi2)
岩石 (yán shí) refers to solid, naturally occurring mineral material, commonly known as rock. It is used in geological contexts as well as in everyday language to describe formations and structures found in nature, such as mountains or cliffs.
Frequency#5119DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mountains and rocks often symbolize stability and strength. The famous Chinese landscape painting style often features rock formations, emphasizing their importance in traditional art and philosophy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant YAN (yawn) SHI (she) who is so tired of climbing big ROCKS that she falls asleep. The character 岩 (yán) looks like a mountain, and 石 (shí) is a stone; together they form the concept of rock.
Meanings of 岩石
yánshí(yan2shi2)
1rock
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About 岩石
岩石Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5119Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 岩石
Podcast: 岩石
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AI Study Notes for 岩石
Quick Contrast
岩石 (rock) vs 石头 (stone) — use 岩石 for larger geological formations, while 石头 refers to smaller, individual pieces.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant YAN (yawn) SHI (she) who is so tired of climbing big ROCKS that she falls asleep. The character 岩 (yán) looks like a mountain, and 石 (shí) is a stone; together they form the concept of rock.
Usage Notes
岩石 is a formal term often used in scientific discussions about geology. Learners should avoid confusing 岩石 with other similar terms like 土 (tǔ, soil) or 石头 (shítou, stone), which can refer to smaller pieces of rock. Be mindful of the tones: yán (second tone) and shí (second tone).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 vocabulary word, 岩石 is relevant for learners focusing on environmental science or geography. Students should also connect it with related terms like 矿物 (kuàngwù, mineral) and 地质 (dìzhì, geology) to enhance their understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mountains and rocks often symbolize stability and strength. The famous Chinese landscape painting style often features rock formations, emphasizing their importance in traditional art and philosophy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 岩石 with 石头, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying '我喜欢这块岩石' (Wǒ xǐhuān zhè kuài yánshí) when referring to a small stone is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢这块石头' (Wǒ xǐhuān zhè kuài shítou).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 岩石
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Grammar Patterns of 岩石
岩石 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
她盘腿坐在那块巨大的____上。
She sat cross-legged on the rock.
Example Sentences for 岩石 (10)
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1
她盘腿坐在那块巨大的岩石上。
tā pán tuǐ zuò zài nà kuài jù dà de yán shí shàng。
She sat cross-legged on the rock.
2
这座城市建在岩石上，四周筑有城墙。
zhè zuò chéng shì jiàn zài yán shí shàng， ， sì zhōu zhù yǒu chéng。
The city was walled and built upon a rock.
3
房子矗立在松树丛中一块突出的岩石上。
fáng zǐ chù lì zài sōng shù cóng zhōng yī kuài tū chū de yán shí shàng。
The house stands on a shelf of rock among pines.
4
潮水已经退去，他们走过岩石区的潮水潭。
cháo shuǐ yǐ jīng tuì qù， ， tā mén zǒu guò yán shí qū de cháo shuǐ。
The tide was out and they walked among the rock pools.
5
他饥渴地喝着岩石下水潭中的水。
tā jī kě dì hē zháo yán shí xià shuǐ tán zhōng de shuǐ。
He drank thirstily from the pool under the rock.
6
佐薇爬下岩石去够他，被划得满身是伤。
zuǒ wēi pá xià yán shí qù gòu tā， ， bèi huá dé mǎn shēn shì。
Zoe was badly cut as she scrambled down rocks to reach him.
7
不断变化的应力导致更多的断裂和岩石变形。
bù duàn biàn huà de yīng lì dǎo zhì gēng duō de duàn liè hé yán shí biàn xíng。
Changing stresses bring about more cracking and rock deformation.
The waters were rising about the rock and would soon submerge it.
9
一位徒步者从一块80英尺高的尖锥形岩石上摔了下来。
yī wèi tú bù zhě cóng yī kuài80 80 yīng chǐ gāo de jiān zhuī xíng yán shí shàng shuāi le xià。
A walker fell 80ft from a rocky pinnacle.
10
这座城市建在高出峡谷的岩石上.
zhè zuò chéng shì jiàn zài gāo chū xiá gǔ de yán shí shàng.
The city is built on the rock rising out of ravines.
Cultural Notes for 岩石
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, mountains and rocks often symbolize stability and strength. The famous Chinese landscape painting style often features rock formations, emphasizing their importance in traditional art and philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions about 岩石
While 岩石 is a scientific term, it can be used in everyday contexts when discussing nature, particularly in relation to hiking or geology.
You can say, '这座山由坚固的岩石组成' (Zhè zuò shān yóu jiāngù de yánshí zǔchéng), meaning 'This mountain is made of solid rock.'
岩石 refers to larger rock formations, while 石头 usually refers to smaller stones or pebbles.
