Translation guide
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often carved by water. In Japanese, the most common and natural word is 谷 (たに), which covers valleys in general, including ravines. More specific terms exist for dramatic, narrow gorges.
The speaker wants to refer to a valley or ravine in a general, everyday context, without emphasizing steepness or narrowness.
The most common and versatile word for 'valley' or 'ravine'. It can refer to anything from a gentle valley to a steep ravine. Safe to use in most contexts.
That ravine is deep, isn't it?
When I went down into the ravine, there was a river.
The speaker wants to emphasize the steep, narrow, and dramatic nature of a ravine, often in a natural or scenic context.
Refers specifically to a gorge or canyon with steep cliffs. Common in geographical names and travel descriptions.
That ravine is a tourist attraction.
Similar to 峡谷, but often implies a more scenic, wooded valley with a stream. Used in names of famous valleys.
Literally 'deep valley'. A more literary or technical term for a deep ravine. Not common in everyday speech.
Mist hung over the deep ravine.
The speaker wants to describe a small, narrow ravine, perhaps a gully or a cleft in the terrain, often with a stream.
Refers to a narrow valley or ravine between mountains. Can also mean 'gorge' or 'defile'. Common in everyday language.
We stayed in a small village in the ravine.
A mountain stream or a narrow valley with a stream. Often used in hiking contexts. Can imply a smaller, wet ravine.
A less common character for 'valley' or 'ravine', often used in compound words or proper nouns. Same reading as 谷 but more literary.
谷 (たに) is the general term for valley or ravine. 峡谷 (きょうこく) emphasizes steep cliffs and is often used for dramatic gorges. 渓谷 (けいこく) suggests a scenic, wooded valley with a stream. Use 谷 for everyday speech; use 峡谷 or 渓谷 for specific geographical features or in travel writing.
Many place names in Japan include 谷 (たに) or 谷 (だに when voiced), such as 渋谷 (しぶや, Shibuya) or 風の谷 (かぜのたに, Valley of the Wind). The reading can vary, so it's best to learn place names individually.
The hikers descended into the ravine.
A narrow ravine cut through the mountains.
A river flows at the bottom of the ravine.
渓谷沿いにハイキングコースがある。
There is a hiking trail along the ravine.
We climbed up the ravine aiming for the summit.
The sound of the ravine stream is pleasant.