noun
hillside; mountainside
Refers to the side or slope of a mountain or hill. Often used in geographical descriptions, hiking contexts, or when discussing landslides.
山腹に小さな集落がある。
There is a small settlement on the mountainside.
大雨で山腹が崩れた。
The hillside collapsed due to heavy rain.
斜面 is a more general term for any slope or incline, not limited to mountains. 山腹 specifically refers to the side of a mountain or hill.
山肌 emphasizes the surface or exposed face of a mountain, often with a visual or textural nuance, while 山腹 is a more neutral geographical term for the mountainside.
Compound of 山 (mountain) and 腹 (belly, side), literally 'mountain belly'. The use of 腹 to mean 'side' or 'slope' is a common metaphorical extension in Japanese.