Japanese Conversation · Level 69
75 words
Japanese word
危うい
Pronunciation
Romajiayaui
Meaning
- i-adjectiverisky
Example
この投資はかなり危うい賭けです。ko no tō shi wa ka na ri aya u i ka ke de su
This investment is quite a risky gamble.
More examples
慎重に進めないと、計画の成功が危うくなります。shin chō ni susu me na i to kei kaku no sei kō ga aya u ku na ri ma su
If we do not proceed carefully, the success of the plan will be at risk.
Core concept
Describes a situation where harm or failure may result because safety or success is not assured.
Common phrases
危うい均衡aya u i kin kō
a precarious balance
危うい関係aya u i kan kei
a precarious relationship
Similar words
危なっかしいabunakkashii: Describes a person, action, or situation that seems likely to cause danger or trouble.
心許ないkokoromotonai: Describes a situation or basis that does not inspire confidence in safety or success.
Definition in Japanese
失敗や危険につながるおそれがあり、安心できないさま。ship pai ya ki ken ni tsu na ga ru o so re ga a ri an shin de ki na i sa ma
Word origin
危うい (ayaui) is the modern form of the classical Japanese adjective 危うし (ayaushi), meaning "dangerous" or "uncertain".
Usage tips
- In conversation, 危ういところだった (ayaui tokoro datta) means "That was close," because it describes a danger that nearly occurred.
Other meanings
- dangerousi-adjective
- at riski-adjective
Opposites
- 安全anzensafena-adjective
Related words
- 危うさayausariskinessnoun