地形

• Pinyin: dì xíng
• Hanzi breakdown: 地 (land) + 形 = 开 (open) + 彡 (streaks/lines)

Meaning

Terrain; topography; landform. The physical features of an area of land.

Includes mountains, plains, valleys, rivers, and other natural features. Important in military strategy, urban planning, and agriculture. Related terms include 地形图 (topographic map) and 地形地貌 (terrain and landforms).

Examples

1. 这里的地形复杂，不适合大规模建设。 The terrain here is complex and not suitable for large-scale construction.
2. 士兵们仔细研究了地形，制定了作战计划。 The soldiers carefully studied the terrain and formulated a battle plan.
3. 由于地形限制，这条铁路修建难度很大。 Due to terrain limitations, this railway is very difficult to build.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, military, construction

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 地形很复杂。(The terrain is very complex.)
• 熟悉当地地形。(Be familiar with the local terrain.)

Don't Say

• '地形'指自然地貌——人工建筑物不属于地形，用'环境'或'布局'更准确 (地形 refers to natural landforms — man-made structures are not 地形; use 环境 or 布局 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 地 (land, earth) + 形 (shape, form), describing the shape of the land.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal