peak

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 岳 conveys a large mountain or peak; its on-reading is がく.
• Basic usage: 山岳(さんがく) refers to mountains or mountainous terrain, while 山岳部(さんがくぶ) means a mountaineering club.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Mountainous areas and a mountaineering club
  • 山岳地帯 means a mountainous area, while 山岳救助 means mountain rescue. 山岳 shows that the following term relates to mountains.
  • In the examples, 山岳部 is a school club for mountain climbing. Final 部 identifies the club and adds ぶ to the reading.