山

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 山(やま) is a noun for a physical mountain or, figuratively, the most difficult point in a task or process.
• Basic usage: A physical mountain appears in 山へ登る, while a figurative hurdle appears in 今日が最大の山だ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Landform and figurative peak
  • It can name a mountain to climb or metaphorically identify the most important challenge to overcome.
• Meaning from context
  • 山へ with a movement verb is a place, while 最大の山 in the course of work is a critical point.