gorge

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 峡 is associated with a gorge; its on-readings include きょう.
• Basic usage: 海峡(かいきょう) means a strait, while 峡谷(きょうこく) means a gorge or canyon.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A narrow sea passage and a deep gorge
  • 海峡 means a strait through which ships pass or which separates two islands. Initial 海 specifies a sea passage.
  • 峡谷 is a deep gorge with a river below or crossed by a bridge. 峡 is read きょう in both words despite its different positions.