Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
陡峭dǒuqiào(dou3qiao4)
The term 陡峭 (dǒu qiào) describes something that is very steep or sharp, often referring to slopes or cliffs. It can be used in both literal contexts, such as describing a mountain, and metaphorical contexts, like a steep increase in costs or challenges.
Frequency#27029DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mountains and their steepness are often associated with both challenges and beauty, reflecting the philosophical idea of overcoming obstacles, much like the revered Mount Tai which symbolizes strength and perseverance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a steep mountain (陡) with a sharp edge (峭) that seems to challenge anyone trying to climb it. The sound 'dou' can remind you of 'do' in 'do not fall', emphasizing the danger of steepness, while 'qiao' sounds like 'sharp' which connects to the sharp incline of the mountain.
Meanings of 陡峭
dǒuqiào(dou3qiao4)
1precipitous
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 陡峭
陡峭Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#27029Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 陡峭
Podcast: 陡峭
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 陡峭
Quick Contrast
陡峭 (dǒu qiào) vs 陡 (dǒu) — use 陡峭 for describing both steepness and sharpness, while 陡 is more limited to steepness alone.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a steep mountain (陡) with a sharp edge (峭) that seems to challenge anyone trying to climb it. The sound 'dou' can remind you of 'do' in 'do not fall', emphasizing the danger of steepness, while 'qiao' sounds like 'sharp' which connects to the sharp incline of the mountain.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 陡峭; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in literature or when discussing geography, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless describing a hike or nature.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 陡峭 connects to other advanced vocabulary describing landscapes and abstract concepts like challenges. Focus on using it in descriptive sentences to enhance your vocabulary in discussions about nature or difficult situations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mountains and their steepness are often associated with both challenges and beauty, reflecting the philosophical idea of overcoming obstacles, much like the revered Mount Tai which symbolizes strength and perseverance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 陡峭 with 平坦 (píng tǎn), which means 'flat'. For example, saying '这个山很平坦' (This mountain is flat) when describing a steep mountain is incorrect; the right phrase is '这个山很陡峭'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 陡峭
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 陡峭 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 陡峭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 陡峭
陡峭 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In Chinese culture, mountains and their steepness are often associated with both challenges and beauty, reflecting the philosophical idea of overcoming obstacles, much like the revered Mount Tai which symbolizes strength and perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions about 陡峭
Yes, 陡峭 can also describe steep increases in prices or difficulties in various contexts.
Yes, you might use 陡 (dǒu) or 雄伟 (xióng wěi) in different contexts, but 陡峭 specifically emphasizes steepness.
