Definition
陡 (dǒu) is the everyday word for 'steep', used in speech for slopes, roads, mountains. 陡峭 (dǒu qiào) means the same but is more formal and literary, common in descriptive writing. 突兀 (tū wù) can also describe steep terrain, but emphasizes a sudden, towering rise that stands out.
adjective
steepprecipitous
Easily confused
- 赶gǎnlook-aliketo catch (a vehicle, event), to make it in time for
- 都dōusound-alike(adverb) all, both (indicates totality)
- 赴fùlook-aliketo go to (a formal event or place)
- 斗dòusound-aliketo fight (physically, verbally, or psychologically)
- 起qǐlook-alike(verb) to get up; to rise
- 逗dòusound-alike(verb) to tease playfully; to entice
- 越yuèlook-alike(adverb, in structure '越A越B') the more... the more
- 兜dōusound-alike(noun) pocket; small bag (as in clothing or accessories)
- 抖dǒusound-aliketo tremble, to shake (from cold, fear, etc.)
Examples
- 陡，。Zhè zuò shān fēicháng dǒu, hěn nán pá.This mountain is very steep, hard to climb.
- 陡，。Zhè tiáo xiǎo lù tài dǒu le, zǒulù yào xiǎoxīn.This path is too steep, be careful walking.
- 陡，。Nà ge xiépō hěn dǒu, qí chē shàngqù bù róngyì.That slope is very steep, it's not easy to ride a bike up.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.