“断崖”常见的英文表达是 cliff 或 precipice,二者在语义上有细微差别,可根据具体语境选用:
cliff:指陡峭的悬崖或峭壁,是较为常用和通用的词汇,侧重于描述垂直或接近垂直的陡峭岩壁,强调地势的险峻和高度落差。例如:
The hikers climbed carefully along the narrow path near the cliff.(徒步者们沿着悬崖边的狭窄小路小心翼翼地攀登。)
The waves crashed against the cliffs with great force.(海浪猛烈地撞击着悬崖。)
precipice:更强调悬崖的险峻和危险性,常带有一种令人畏惧或危险的意味,有时也可用于比喻危险或绝望的境地。例如:
The mountain goat balanced precariously on the edge of the precipice.(那只山羊在悬崖边缘摇摇欲坠地保持着平衡。)
The company was on the precipice of bankruptcy.(公司正处于破产的边缘。)