山
saan¹
The English word "mountain" is translated into Cantonese as 山 (saan¹).
山 refers to a large mass of earth and rock. For a more specific term meaning a mountain range, you can use 山脈.
Meaning: large mass of earth and rock (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting mountains, use the classifier 座 (zo6) instead of the general classifier 個 (go3).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is saan¹.
Did you know?
- While 'mountain' refers to nature, the word 山 is used in the phrase 山寨, which originally meant a mountain fortress but now commonly means 'pirated' or 'counterfeit' goods.
- In Hong Kong, the phrase 山頂 ('mountain top') refers specifically to the peak of Victoria Peak and the luxury neighborhood surrounding it, rather than just any summit.
- The term 山海經, or 'Classic of Mountains and Seas', is a famous ancient text that uses the word 山 to catalog mythical creatures living in various landscapes.
Examples in context
- 山頂望落嚟真係好靚。The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking.This sentence is useful for describing the view from the top of a 山.Tatoeba #6963691 by nickyeow, translation #1999924 by Eldad
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are hiking in the countryside.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung嗰座山好高呀。go3 zo6 saan1 hou2 gou1 aa3.That mountain is very high.
- 家明 Ka Ming係呀，我哋慢慢行。hai6 aa3, ngo5 dei6 maan6 maan6 haang4.Yes, let's walk slowly.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung家明，你累唔累呀？gaa1 ming4, nei5 leoi6 m4 leoi6 aa3?Ka Ming, are you tired?
- 家明 Ka Ming仲可以行呀。zung6 ho2 ji5 haang4 aa3.I can still walk.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mountain” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
