Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Strategically important and easily defensible: Describes a location, typically a military position or terrain, that is both of critical strategic value and possesses natural features making it extremely difficult for an enemy to access or capture.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Quân đội chiếm giữ vị trí hiểm yếu trên đỉnh đồi. (The military occupied a strategically vital and easily defensible position on the hilltop.)
  • Đèo Hải Vân là một cửa ngõ hiểm yếu của miền Trung. (Hai Van Pass is a critically important and formidable gateway to the Central region.)

Advanced Usage

• Used primarily in formal, literary, or military contexts to describe geography, fortifications, or tactical points.

Variants and Related Words

• Hiểm trở (adj): describes terrain that is rugged, treacherous, and difficult to traverse, but does not necessarily imply the same strategic importance as "hiểm yếu".
  • Đường lên núi rất hiểm trở. (The mountain path is very rugged and dangerous.)

Synonyms

• Impregnable: (of a fortified position) unable to be captured or broken into.
• Strategic: of great importance within an integrated whole or to a planned effect.
• Formidable: inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.

Related Idioms

• Chỗ hiểm yếu: a critical point; a vulnerable or crucial spot (often used figuratively).
  • Phải bảo vệ chỗ hiểm yếu của hệ thống. (We must protect the system's critical point.)

1. Important and very difficult of access (nói về địa thế)