taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
towering; tall and steep
Literary or classical description of mountains or similar towering forms. Used with と (to) as an adverb or in たる (taru) attributive form.
The mountain rose towering and steep.
taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
extremely dangerous; perilous
Rare literary use for situations of great danger, often in classical or formal contexts.
An exceedingly dangerous situation was approaching.
Kana spelling is practical for learners and avoids obscure kanji.
Alternate spelling without the iteration mark; equally rare.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the kanji 岌 means 'high and steep' and is used reduplicatively for emphasis in classical Chinese-influenced Japanese.