Japanese word

山脈

Pronunciation

Romajisanmyaku

Meaning

  • nounmountain range

Example

遠くに高い山脈が見えます。tō ku ni taka i san myaku ga mi e ma su

I can see a high mountain range in the distance.

Illustration for 山脈 (mountain range)

More examples

この川は二つの山脈の間を流れています。ko no kawa wa futa tsu no san myaku no aida o naga re te i ma su

This river flows between two mountain ranges.

Core concept

Refers to a connected chain of mountains viewed as one geographic landform.

Common phrases

  • 山脈を越えるsan myaku o ko e ru

    cross a mountain range

  • 山脈のふもとsan myaku no fu mo to

    at the foot of a mountain range

Similar words

連山renzan: A group of mountains that continues in a connected line.
連峰renpō: A series of connected mountain peaks forming a mountain group.

Definition in Japanese

山々が連なって形成された広がりのある地形。yama yama ga tsura na tte kei sei sa re ta hiro ga ri no a ru chi kei

Word origin

山 (san, "mountain") and 脈 (myaku, "vein or ridge") combine to describe mountains linked like a ridge.

Usage tips

  • English uses mountain range for a chain of mountains, while mountain belt usually refers to a broader zone containing related mountain systems.

Other meanings

  • mountain beltnoun

Word lists with this word