Japanese word

危機

Pronunciation

Romajikiki

Meaning

  • nouncrisis

Example

この国は危機に直面しています。ko no kuni wa ki ki ni choku men shi te i ma su

This country is facing a crisis.

Illustration for 危機 (crisis)

More examples

その会社は危機をみんなで乗り越えました。so no gai sha wa ki ki o mi n na de no ri ko e ma shi ta

Everyone at the company overcame the crisis together.

Core concept

Describes a serious situation in which safety, stability, or success is under threat.

Common phrases

  • 危機に直面するki ki ni choku men su ru

    face a crisis

  • 危機を乗り越えるki ki o no ri ko e ru

    overcome a crisis

Similar words

非常事態hijōjitai: A serious situation that requires urgent action because normal conditions have broken down.
緊急事態kinkyūjitai: A sudden situation that requires immediate action to prevent harm.
ピンチpinchi: A difficult situation in which a person or group may fail or suffer loss.
窮地kyūchi: A very difficult situation from which it is hard to escape.

Definition in Japanese

安全や生活などが大きく脅かされる重大な事態。an zen ya sei katsu na do ga ō ki ku obiya ka sa re ru jū dai na ji tai

Word origin

危機 (kiki) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 危 (ki, "danger") and 機 (ki, "a crucial point"), expressing a dangerous turning point.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 危機 (kiki) can describe a serious threat to a relationship, a plan, or a team's success, not only a national emergency.

Other meanings

  • emergencynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 危機的kikitekicriticalna-adjective

Word lists with this word