Translation guide
Describes the physical features of land, their mapping, and the study of surface shape. For learners, the most common need is talking about terrain or landscape, followed by technical mapping contexts.
To describe the natural and man-made surface features of a place, such as hills, rivers, and roads.
The most common and general term for 'terrain' or 'topography' in everyday and semi-technical contexts. Refers to the shape and features of the land.
この地域の地形は複雑だ。
The topography of this region is complex.
地形が険しいので、工事は難しい。
Because the terrain is rugged, construction is difficult.
Similar to 地形 but often used in more formal or geographical descriptions, emphasizing the overall lay of the land.
この県の地勢は、北に山が多く、南は平野が広がっている。
The topography of this prefecture features many mountains in the north and plains spreading in the south.
Refers specifically to the undulations or relief of the land—how much it rises and falls. Often used when describing hilly or uneven terrain.
このコースは起伏が激しい。
This course has a lot of ups and downs (topographic relief).
To refer to the science or practice of mapping land surfaces, including contour lines and survey data.
A topographic map; the standard term for a map showing elevation and landforms.
登山の前に地形図を確認した。
I checked the topographic map before climbing.
Surveying; the process of measuring land to determine its topography. Often used in engineering and construction.
To refer to the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them.
Geomorphology; the academic discipline studying the origin and evolution of topographic features.
彼は大学で地形学を専攻している。
He is majoring in geomorphology at university.
地形 (ちけい) is the everyday word for terrain or topography. 地勢 (ちせい) is more formal and often used in written geographical descriptions. In most casual or practical contexts, 地形 is sufficient.
In English, 'topography' can sound technical. In Japanese, 地形 is used more broadly for 'terrain' or 'landscape'. If you mean the general look of the land, 地形 is natural; use 地形図 or 測量 for mapping contexts.
その島の地形はほとんどが山岳地帯だ。
The topography of the island is mostly mountainous.
衛星画像を使ってその地域の地形を調査した。
We studied the topography of the region using satellite images.
この土地の測量データを基に地図を作成した。
We created a map based on the survey data of this land.
Contour lines; a technical term used on topographic maps to show elevation.
等高線の間隔が狭いほど傾斜が急だ。
The closer the contour lines, the steeper the slope.