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峡谷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
峡谷xiágǔcanyonHSK 7, n, rank #5458, Hard
峡谷xiágǔgillHSK 7, n, rank #5458, Hard
峡谷xiágǔravineHSK 7, n, rank #5458, Hard
xiágǔ(xia2gu3) T2
  1. 1canyon
  2. 2gill
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March 24, 2026
峡谷(峽谷)xiágǔ(xia2gu3)

峡谷 (xiágǔ) refers to a deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often formed by the erosion of a river over time. Commonly used in geographical contexts or outdoor activities, the term conveys a sense of dramatic natural beauty and can evoke images of adventure, hiking, and exploration.

Frequency#5458DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, famous canyons like the Yangtze River's gorges are significant tourist attractions and are often featured in literature and art, symbolizing the beauty and power of nature.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant 'X' (the shape of the narrow valley) that is so deep it reaches the 'guts' (gǔ) of the earth. Picture standing at the edge of a steep canyon looking down, and remember that 'xia' sounds like 'sigh,' as if you're sighing at the vastness of the gorge below.

Meanings of 峡谷

xiágǔ(xia2gu3)
1canyon
2gill
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 峡谷

峡谷Simplified
峽谷Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5458Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 峡谷

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Podcast: 峡谷

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AI Study Notes for 峡谷

Quick Contrast

峡谷 (xiágǔ) vs 谷 (gǔ): Use 峡谷 for deep, narrow valleys with steep sides, while 谷 refers to broader valleys without the same dramatic features.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant 'X' (the shape of the narrow valley) that is so deep it reaches the 'guts' (gǔ) of the earth. Picture standing at the edge of a steep canyon looking down, and remember that 'xia' sounds like 'sigh,' as if you're sighing at the vastness of the gorge below.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 峡谷 with similar terms like 谷 (gǔ), which means 'valley' but does not imply the same depth or steepness. The term is more formal, often used in written language or discussions about geography rather than in everyday conversation.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 峡谷 connects to other geographical terms you might learn at this level, like 河流 (héliú - river) and 山脉 (shānmài - mountain range). Focus on understanding its usage in context, especially in descriptions of landscapes.

Cultural Note

In China, famous canyons like the Yangtze River's gorges are significant tourist attractions and are often featured in literature and art, symbolizing the beauty and power of nature.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 峡谷 with 谷 (gǔ), mistakenly using it in contexts where 'valley' is more appropriate. For example, saying '我去一个峡谷' (wǒ qù yīgè xiágǔ) when referring to a broad valley should be corrected to '我去一个谷' (wǒ qù yīgè gǔ).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 峡谷

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Component Characters

峡xiágorge
HSK 79 strokes山
View full entry
谷gǔgrain
7 strokes谷
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Write 峡谷

峡
谷

Practice writing 峡谷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 峡谷

峡谷 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). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 5

Complete the Sentence

据说巴士发生翻车，跌进了____。

The bus is said to have over-turned and fallen into a ravine.

Example Sentences for 峡谷 (10)

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1
据说巴士发生翻车，跌进了峡谷。

jù shuō bā shì fā shēng fān chē， ， diē jìn le xiá。

The bus is said to have over-turned and fallen into a ravine.
2
我们去大峡谷徒步旅行，探究印第安人的崖居。

wǒ mén qù dà xiá gǔ tú bù lǚ háng， ， tàn jiū yìn dì ān rén de yá。

We hiked the Grand Canyon, exploring Indian cliff dwellings.
3
恐龙峡谷中的化石都嵌在坚硬的砂岩中。

kǒng lóng xiá gǔ zhōng de huà shí dū qiàn zài jiān yìng de shā yán zhōng。

The fossils at Dinosaur Cove are embedded in hard sandstones.
4
我们沿着陡峭的峡谷向上开。

wǒ mén yán zháo dǒu qiào de xiá gǔ xiàng shàng kāi。

We drove up a steep-sided valley.
5
历山上, 还有两条大峡谷, 即东峡 、 西峡.

lì shān shàng, , huán yǒu liǎng tiáo dà xiá, gǔ , jí、 dōng xiá.

Calendar hill, there are two other Grand Canyon, the East Gap, Xixia.
6
远处峡谷的西缘，一只丛林狼嚎叫了两声。

yuǎn chǔ xiá gǔ de xī yuán， ， yī zhī cóng lín láng háo jiào le liǎng。

Far up the west rim of the canyon, a coyote yipped twice.
7
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.
8
现在峡谷的南边已长满树木。

xiàn zài xiá gǔ de nán biān yǐ cháng mǎn shù mù。

The south side of the gorge is now clothed in trees.
9
山谷经常以深峡谷的形态存在。

shān gǔ jīng cháng yǐ shēn xiá gǔ de xíng tài cún zài。

Valleys often take the form of deep canyons.
10
这条小路弯弯曲曲的顺着峡谷那陡削的下坡蜿蜒而下.

zhè tiáo xiǎo lù wān wān qū qū de shùn zháo xiá gǔ nà dǒu xiāo de xià pō wān yán ér xià.

The trail zigzagged down the abrupt descent of the canyon.

Cultural Notes for 峡谷

🏮Cultural insight

In China, famous canyons like the Yangtze River's gorges are significant tourist attractions and are often featured in literature and art, symbolizing the beauty and power of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions about 峡谷

The correct pronunciation is 'xiá gǔ', where 'xiá' has a rising tone and 'gǔ' has a falling tone.