lhotse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialist, Geographic, Mountaineering
Quick answer
What does “lhotse” mean?
The fourth highest mountain in the world, located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The fourth highest mountain in the world, located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
A major peak in the Himalayas, closely connected to Mount Everest via the South Col. Its name means 'South Peak' in Tibetan, referencing its position relative to Everest. It comprises three main summits: Lhotse Main (8,516 m), Lhotse Middle (8,414 m), and Lhotse Shar (8,383 m).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Pronunciation differences are minimal (see IPA).
Connotations
Connotes high-altitude mountaineering, extreme challenge, and the Himalayas equally in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but known in specialist and general interest contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “lhotse” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] is located...The climbers attempted [Proper Noun]The [Proper Noun] Face is treacherousVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except potentially in naming for brands related to adventure or outdoor equipment.
Academic
Used in geography, geology, and sports science contexts when discussing mountain formation, high-altitude physiology, or mountaineering history.
Everyday
Used in general knowledge conversations about world records, geography, or extreme sports.
Technical
Central term in mountaineering literature, route descriptions, weather reports for the Himalayas, and climbing permits.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lhotse”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lhotse”
- Misspelling as 'Lhoste', 'Lotse', or 'Lhotsé'.
- Incorrect pronunciation with a hard 'L' or stressed second syllable.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a lhotse' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Lhotse is a separate mountain. It is connected to Everest via the South Col, a high mountain pass, but is a distinct peak with its own summit.
'Lhotse' is Tibetan for 'South Peak', named for its position south of Mount Everest.
Lhotse Main was first summited on May 18, 1956, by the Swiss team of Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss.
Technically, yes, for the main summit. The standard route on Lhotse is steeper and more technically demanding than the standard South Col route on Everest, though it shares part of the same approach.
The fourth highest mountain in the world, located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Lhotse is usually specialist, geographic, mountaineering in register.
Lhotse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈloʊtsiː/ or /ˈlɒtseɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊtsi/ or /ˈloʊtseɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Lots' of height – Lhotse is one of the 'Lots' of massive peaks near Everest.
Conceptual Metaphor
A symbol of a formidable, near-ultimate challenge; a 'giant' in a series of giants.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'Lhotse'?