Mar 24, 2022

No matter how tall the mountain is, it cannot block the sun.

“No matter how tall the mountain is, it cannot block the sun.” – Chinese Proverb. ✨

We’ve got some mountain-related activities for you!

mountain 山

山 – this character you might know quite well. 🙂 Also, the negative space between the strokes makes us think of an “m.” Can you see the resemblance?

⛰️To go uphill – 上山 (shàng shān)

To go uphill - 上山 (shàng shān)

⛰️To go down the hill – 下山 (xià shān)

To get down the hill - 下山 (xià shān)

And a bonus expression for all the active folks out there:

⛰️ Mountain climbing – 爬山 (pá shān)

上 and 下 are such versatile characters and can mean a multitude of things. For example “get on” & “get off” or “start” & “finish.” If you put them together like this 上下, that will mean “go ups and downs.”

Do you know any other use of 上 or 下? Let us know by tagging #Chineasy on Twitter or Instagram!

By Chineasy | A Super Chineasian

Learn Chinese with easy! We are committed to helping make learning Chinese fun and easy by adding exciting content and new learning materials for you.

Tell your Chineasy stories

Want to write for the Talk Chineasy blog? Share stories about China, its language, or its culture with those who share your passion!

Apply Now