Japanese word

地形

Pronunciation

Romajichikei

Meaning

  • nounterrain

Example

この地域は地形が複雑です。ko no chi iki wa chi kei ga fuku zatsu de su

The terrain in this area is complex.

Illustration for 地形 (terrain)

More examples

地図だけでは、現地の地形を正確に把握できません。chi zu da ke de wa gen chi no chi kei o sei kaku ni ha aku de ki ma se n

You cannot accurately understand the local terrain from a map alone.

Core concept

It describes land through the natural rises, falls, and surface features that define a particular area.

Common phrases

  • 険しい地形kewa shi i chi kei

    rugged terrain

  • 地形を把握するchi kei o ha aku su ru

    understand the terrain

  • 地形に沿うchi kei ni so u

    follow the terrain

Similar words

地勢chisei: The arrangement of natural rises, falls, and surface features across an area.
地貌chikao: The visible form and features of land as shaped by natural processes.

Definition in Japanese

ある地域を形づくる地表の高低や起伏などの状態。a ru chi iki o katachi zu ku ru chi hyō no kō tei ya ki fuku na do no jō tai

Word origin

地 (chi, "land") + 形 (kei, "form") forms 地形 (chikei), literally referring to the form of the land.

Usage tips

  • Terrain can describe an area from a practical viewpoint, as in difficult terrain for hikers, vehicles, or rescue teams.

Other meanings

  • topographynoun

Related words

  • 地形学chikeigakugeomorphologynoun
  • 地形的chikeitekitopographicalna-adjective

Word lists with this word