峻

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

山 (mountain) — semantic component, indicating height, terrain, or elevation

夋 (swift; urgent) — phonetic component (jùn)

The earliest meaning refers to a mountain that is sharply steep and difficult to climb. From this concrete image, the character developed strong abstract meanings such as strict, severe, and austere.

준엄 (峻嚴) — strict; stern; severe

준봉 (峻峰) — steep peak

준령 (峻嶺) — precipitous mountain ridge

峻 frequently appears in literary, historical, and formal contexts.

In contrast to 高, which is neutral “high,” 峻 emphasizes difficulty, severity, or sharpness.

Related characters:

高 — high (neutral height)

險 — dangerous; perilous

嶮 — rugged; steep terrain

嚴 — strict; severe