登山

とざん

mountain-climbing

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"登山" (とざん) means "mountain climbing" or "hiking up a mountain." It is commonly used to describe the activity of climbing mountains for sport, exercise, or leisure.

Context and Register

This word is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It often appears in conversations about outdoor activities, travel, and fitness.

Common Collocations

  • 登山に行く: to go mountain climbing
  • 登山中: during mountain climbing
  • 登山道: mountain trail
  • 登山靴: mountain climbing boots

These collocations help specify the activity or related equipment.

Usage Tips

When using "登山," speakers often imply physical effort and preparation. It is common to mention weather conditions, physical fitness, and safety precautions. Avoid confusing "登山" with "ハイキング" (hiking), which usually refers to easier walks on trails. "登山" often involves more challenging terrain and elevation.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes use "登山" to refer to any walk in nature, but it specifically means climbing mountains, often requiring special gear and preparation.

Example Sentences

しゅうまつ と ともだち と いっしょ に とざん に いきます。

I am going mountain climbing with my friends this weekend.

とざん は たいりょく が ひつよう なので、じゅんびうんどう を しっかり しましょう。

Mountain climbing requires physical strength, so let's do proper warm-up exercises.

とざんちゅう に てんき が きゅう に わるく なった ので、はやめ に げざん しました。

The weather suddenly got bad during the mountain climb, so we descended early.