Understanding "山脉" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 山脉
• Pinyin: shān mài
• Literal Meaning: "Mountain range" (山 = mountain, 脉 = vein/range)
• Primary Meaning: A series of connected mountains forming a continuous, elongated line.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "山脉" refers to a chain or range of mountains, often formed by tectonic activity. It is a neutral term used in both geographical and everyday contexts.
• Unlike "山" (shān), which can mean a single mountain, "山脉" emphasizes the interconnectedness of multiple mountains.

• Commonly used in travel, geography, and nature-related discussions.

• Character Breakdown:

• 山 (shān): Means "mountain."
• 脉 (mài): Originally means "vein" (e.g., blood vessels or plant veins), but in this context, it metaphorically represents the "range" or "line" of mountains, similar to how veins branch out.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 喜马拉雅山脉是世界上最高的山脉。
   Pinyin: Xǐmǎlāyǎ shānmài shì shìjiè shàng zuì gāo de shānmài.
   English: The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world.

2. Chinese: 我们计划明年去落基山脉徒步旅行。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen jìhuà míngnián qù Luòjī shānmài túbù lǚxíng.
   English: We plan to go hiking in the Rocky Mountains next year.

3. Chinese: 这座山脉横跨三个国家。
   Pinyin: Zhè zuò shānmài héngkuà sān gè guójiā.
   English: This mountain range spans three countries.

Cultural Notes

• Mountain ranges like the Himalayas (喜马拉雅山脉) and the Qinling Mountains (秦岭山脉) hold deep cultural and spiritual significance in China, often appearing in poetry, art, and folklore.
• In traditional Chinese philosophy, mountains symbolize stability, endurance, and connection to nature.

Conclusion

"山脉" (shān mài) is a useful term for describing mountain ranges in Chinese. Remember: 山 = mountain, 脉 = vein/range. Use it when talking about geography, travel, or nature!