huge rock; massive boulder
Poetic term for a large, imposing rock or crag, often used in classical or literary contexts.
The poet sat on a massive rock by the sea and wrote a poem.
Even a small stone, over long ages, becomes a great boulder.
His resolve was as firm as a massive boulder.
巨石 is a more technical or archaeological term for a huge rock or megalith, whereas 巌 carries a classical, aesthetic nuance.
counter for small objects; counter for pieces · counter for military units · individual; one person · counter for years of age difference; counter for school years
Standard modern kanji form.
Out-dated kanji form; rarely used in modern writing.
The reading いわお is a native Japanese word for a large rock or crag. The kanji 巌 (and its older form 巖) are Chinese characters adopted for their meaning.