절벽
Overview
The Korean word for 'cliff' is '절벽' (jeolbyeok). It is a compound word derived from '절' (jeol), meaning 'cut' or 'severed,' and '벽' (byeok), meaning 'wall.' This etymology vividly describes a cliff as a wall-like formation that appears to be cut off abruptly. The pronunciation is [절벽], with the 'ㄹ' (r/l) sound in '절' connecting smoothly to the 'ㅂ' (b) sound in '벽,' often resulting in a slight aspiration of the 'ㅂ' sound, similar to a soft 'p' sound when spoken quickly. It is commonly used to refer to natural geographical features, such as the steep rock faces found along coastlines or in mountainous regions. For instance, '해안 절벽' (haean jeolbyeok) specifically means 'coastal cliff,' and '산 절벽' (san jeolbyeok) refers to a 'mountain cliff.' Beyond its literal meaning, '절벽' can also be used metaphorically to describe a perilous or dead-end situation, emphasizing the idea of an insurmountable obstacle or a point of no return. For example, one might say '경제 절벽' (gyeongje jeolbyeok) to refer to an 'economic cliff,' implying a sudden and severe economic downturn. In literature and poetry, '절벽' often evokes imagery of grandeur, danger, isolation, or even a sense of awe-inspiring natural beauty. It's a powerful word that conjures strong visual and emotional associations, making it a versatile term in both everyday conversation and more descriptive contexts.
例句
그 남자는 절벽 아래로 떨어졌다.
뉴스에서The man fell down the cliff.
해안 절벽에 부딪히는 파도 소리가 들렸다.
여행 후기I heard the sound of waves crashing against the sea cliffs.
그 절벽은 등반하기에 매우 위험해 보였다.
등산 동호회에서The cliff looked very dangerous to climb.
절벽 끝에 서서 바다를 내려다보았다.
소설에서I stood at the edge of the cliff and looked down at the sea.
그들은 절벽 위에서 일출을 감상했다.
여행 블로그에서They watched the sunrise from atop the cliff.
常见搭配
容易混淆的词
语法模式
如何使用
使用说明
When using "절벽" in Korean, it's important to consider the nuance of its meaning. It specifically refers to a very steep, often vertical, rock face. While it can be used for any cliff, it particularly emphasizes the sheer and abrupt drop. For example, you might say "절벽 아래로 떨어지다" (to fall down the cliff) to describe a dramatic descent. It's less common to use it for gentle slopes or hills. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a difficult or precarious situation, as in "인생의 절벽" (a cliff in life), implying a critical moment or a dead end. When describing a beautiful scenic view, it's often paired with adjectives like "웅장한 절벽" (magnificent cliff) or "아름다운 절벽" (beautiful cliff). It's a versatile word that can convey both the physical grandeur of nature and the metaphorical challenges of life.
常见错误
A common mistake might be confusing '절벽' with '언덕' (eondeok - hill) or '산' (san - mountain). While all relate to elevated landforms, '절벽' specifically refers to a steep, often vertical rock face, especially one at the edge of the sea or a river. '언덕' is a gentle, rounded elevation, and '산' is a larger, more imposing natural elevation of the earth's surface, typically with a summit. The key distinction for '절벽' is its abrupt and sheer drop.
小贴士
Word Breakdown
Common Usage & Nuances
Example Sentences
词源
The word '절벽' (jeolbyeok) is a Sino-Korean word derived from the Hanja characters '絕' (jeol) meaning 'cut off, absolute, excellent' and '壁' (byeok) meaning 'wall, cliff'. The combination of these characters vividly describes a natural formation that appears as a 'cut-off wall' or a 'sheer wall'. The character '絕' (절) has a rich history in East Asian languages, often denoting finality, extremity, or being incomparably excellent. In the context of '절벽', it emphasizes the abrupt and severe nature of the rock face, suggesting a complete break or ending in the terrain. It can also imply an insurmountable barrier. The character '壁' (벽) literally translates to 'wall' and is used to describe vertical surfaces. In ancient China, '壁' referred to various types of walls, from defensive fortifications to the interior walls of buildings. When paired with '絕', it specifically refers to a natural wall that is extremely steep and often impassable. The earliest known usage of the term '절벽' or similar character combinations to describe cliffs can be traced back to classical Chinese literature and geographical texts, where vivid descriptions of natural landscapes were common. As Korean adopted a significant portion of its vocabulary from Chinese (Sino-Korean words), '絕壁' became the standard term for a cliff. Over centuries, '절벽' has been consistently used in Korean literature, poetry, and everyday language to depict dramatic natural scenery, often symbolizing danger, isolation, or grandeur. It evokes imagery of a formidable natural barrier, a precipice, or a breathtaking vista where land meets sea or sky abruptly. Its etymology, therefore, paints a clear picture of its meaning: a 'cut-off wall' that is strikingly steep and imposing, a natural formation that commands respect and awe due to its sheer verticality and often perilous nature.
文化背景
In Korean culture, "절벽" (jeolbyeok) often evokes a sense of both awe and danger. It's a common image in traditional landscape paintings and poetry, symbolizing resilience, solitude, and the raw power of nature. Historically, certain cliffs were considered sacred or sites for spiritual reflection due to their majestic and isolated nature. For instance, cliffs overlooking the East Sea are frequently associated with the rising sun and new beginnings. In literature and film, cliffs often serve as dramatic backdrops for pivotal moments, representing a point of no return, a challenge to overcome, or a place for contemplation. There's also a metaphorical use, where someone facing a "절벽" might be at a critical juncture in their life, highlighting the gravity of their situation.
记忆技巧
Visualize a '절벽' (jeolbyeok) as a '절' (jeol - temple) precariously perched on a '벽' (byeok - wall). The temple is at the edge of a steep wall, like a cliff.
常见问题
4 个问题自我测试
파도가 ____에 부딪혀 부서졌다.
그는 높은 ____에서 아래를 내려다보았다.
바다 ____의 경치가 정말 아름답다.
得分: /3
Word Breakdown
Common Usage & Nuances
Example Sentences
例句
5 / 5그 남자는 절벽 아래로 떨어졌다.
The man fell down the cliff.
해안 절벽에 부딪히는 파도 소리가 들렸다.
I heard the sound of waves crashing against the sea cliffs.
그 절벽은 등반하기에 매우 위험해 보였다.
The cliff looked very dangerous to climb.
절벽 끝에 서서 바다를 내려다보았다.
I stood at the edge of the cliff and looked down at the sea.
그들은 절벽 위에서 일출을 감상했다.
They watched the sunrise from atop the cliff.
相关内容
这个词在其他语言中
更多自然词汇
~에 대한
A2About, regarding; indicating the topic or subject.
~게
A2Suffix to turn adjectives or verbs into adverbs.
공기
A1Air, atmosphere.
몽땅
B1All of it, entirely, completely.
온갖
B1All sorts of, every kind of.
~을/를 따라서
A2Along; indicating movement or position parallel to something.
동물
A1animal
개미
A1A small insect typically living in large colonies.
주위에
A2Surrounding something or someone; around.
그대로
A2Without changing; as it is.