Japanese Conversation · Level 21
90 words
Japanese word
やばい
Pronunciation
Romajiyabai
Meaning
- i-adjectivedangerous
Example
この道はやばいです。ko no michi wa ya ba i de su
This road is dangerous.
More examples
夜に一人で歩くのはやばいです。yoru ni hito ri de aru ku no wa ya ba i de su
Walking alone at night is dangerous.
Core concept
It marks a situation as so extreme that it triggers alarm, shock, or admiration.
Common phrases
やばい状況ya ba i jō kyō
dangerous situation
やばい場所ya ba i ba sho
dangerous place
Similar words
危ないabunai: Describes a person, place, or situation where harm may occur.
まずいmazui: Describes a condition that is bad, problematic, or likely to create trouble.
Definition in Japanese
危険を感じるほど深刻な状態や、驚くほど程度が高い様子を表す語。ki ken o kan ji ru ho do shin koku na jō tai ya odoro ku ho do tei do ga taka i yō su o arawa su go
Word origin
The origin of やばい (yabai) is uncertain; in modern Japanese, it is analyzed as an adjective based on やば (yaba), a slang term for a dangerous or troublesome state.
Usage tips
- For English speakers, やばい (yabai) shows that Japanese slang can shift in value, describing danger in a warning but something impressive among friends.
Other meanings
- awesomei-adjective
- terriblei-adjective
Opposites
- 安全anzensafena-adjective
Related words
- やばさyabasadangerousnessnoun