A fjord is a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs or steep slopes, typically formed by glacial erosion. In Chinese, xiá wān combines 峡 (xiá), meaning 'gorge' or 'narrow pass', and 湾 (wān), meaning 'bay' or 'inlet'. Together, they vividly evoke the geographical essence: a bay-like body of water squeezed into a mountainous gorge. Though rare in China due to its geology, the term is used in geography lessons, travel writing, and documentaries to describe famous fjords like those in Norway or New Zealand.

The word carries a formal, descriptive tone and appears mainly in scientific, educational, or literary contexts—not in everyday conversation. It emphasizes natural grandeur and geological history rather than human activity. Learners should note that while 湾 alone can refer to any sheltered coastal area (e.g., 深圳湾), adding 峡 specifies dramatic topography and depth—distinguishing it from ordinary bays or coves.