Meaning
山脉 refers to a series or chain of mountains connected together, forming a continuous elevated landform. It combines 山 (mountain) with 脉 (vein/pulse), metaphorically comparing a mountain range to the veins in a body, suggesting interconnected peaks running in a line.
Usage
This is a formal geographic term commonly used in academic, scientific, and news contexts when discussing geography or topography. Native speakers use it when referring to major mountain systems like the Himalayas (喜马拉雅山脉) or the Rockies (落基山脉). Less common in everyday casual conversation unless discussing travel or geography.
Examples
- 01喜马拉雅山脉是世界上最高的山脉。.The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world.
- 02这条山脉从北向南延伸了几百公里。.This mountain range extends several hundred kilometers from north to south.
Characters
Measure words
- 条一条山脉
- 座几座山脉
Common collocations
- 喜马拉雅山脉the Himalayas
- 山脉走向direction/trend of a mountain range
- 连绵的山脉continuous mountain range
Antonyms
Origin
The term uses 脉 (vein/pulse) metaphorically, drawing from traditional Chinese concepts where geographic features are compared to the human body, similar to how 水脉 refers to watercourses as 'water veins.'