Japanese word

危険

Pronunciation

Romajikiken

Meaning

  • na-adjectivedangerous

Example

この道は危険です。ko no michi wa ki ken de su

This road is dangerous.

Illustration for 危険 (dangerous)

More examples

夜に一人で歩くのは危険です。yoru ni hito ri de aru ku no wa ki ken de su

Walking alone at night is dangerous.

Core concept

Describes something that may cause harm or trouble, so it cannot be approached or handled safely.

Common phrases

  • 危険な行動ki ken na kō dō

    dangerous behavior

  • 危険な目に遭うki ken na me ni a u

    have a dangerous experience

Similar words

物騒bussō: Describes a place or situation where crime or trouble may occur.

Definition in Japanese

事故や被害が起こるおそれがあり、安心して行動できないさま。ji ko ya hi gai ga o ko ru o so re ga a ri an shin shi te kō dō de ki na i sa ma

Word origin

危 (ki, "danger") and 険 (ken, "steep or perilous") combine to form 危険 (kiken), meaning a state that may cause harm.

Usage tips

  • In simple warnings, 危険です (kiken desu) can stand alone as a complete statement that a place or situation is dangerous.

Other meanings

  • dangernoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 危険度kikendolevel of dangernoun

Word lists with this word