地 形(ちけい)

ちけい

noun

terrain; topography; landform

geography

1. terrain, topography, landform

The physical features and shape of the land surface, including mountains, valleys, plains, and coastlines.

この地域(ちいき)は複雑(ふくざつ)な地形(ちけい)をしている。

This area has complex terrain.

地形(ちけい)図(ず)を見(み)ながらルートを決(き)めた。

We decided on a route while looking at a topographic map.

日本(にほん)は山(やま)が多(おお)い地形(ちけい)のため、平地(へいち)が少(すく)なく、人口(じんこう)が狭(せま)い地域(ちいき)に集中(しゅうちゅう)しやすい。

Because Japan's terrain is predominantly mountainous, flat land is scarce and the population tends to concentrate in small areas.

Usage

A common word in geography, military strategy, urban planning, and outdoor activities like hiking. Often used when discussing why cities or settlements developed in particular locations, or when explaining natural disaster risks.

Common collocations

地形(ちけい)図(ず): topographic map
地形(ちけい)を利用(りよう)する: to utilize the terrain
複雑(ふくざつ)な地形(ちけい): complex terrain
地形(ちけい)の変化(へんか): changes in terrain
平坦(へいたん)な地形(ちけい): flat terrain

Similar words

地形(ちけい) refers to the physical shape of the land. 地勢(ちせい) is a more formal synonym used in academic contexts. 地理(ちり) (geography) is broader, covering both physical and human geography.

Related Words

Related: 地理(ちり) (geography)

Related: 地理的(ちりてき) (geographical)

general

Added 2026.2.20 13:38 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

12000/12083_chikei