Japanese word

致命的

Pronunciation

Romajichimeiteki

Meaning

  • na-adjectivelethal

Example

この薬は量が多いと致命的です。ko no kusuri wa ryō ga ō i to chi mei teki de su

This medicine is lethal in large amounts.

Illustration for 致命的 (lethal)

More examples

この設計上の欠陥は、会社の信用にとって致命的です。ko no sek kei jō no kek kan wa gai sha no shin yō ni to tte chi mei teki de su

This design flaw is fatal to the company's reputation.

Core concept

Describes something so harmful that it can cause death or make the outcome impossible to recover from.

Common phrases

  • 致命的な打撃chi mei teki na da geki

    fatal blow

  • 致命的な問題chi mei teki na mon dai

    fatal problem

  • 致命的な誤りchi mei teki na ayama ri

    fatal error

Similar words

致死的chishiteki: Describes something that can cause death.
深刻shinkoku: Describes a problem or condition that is serious and requires attention.
重大jūdai: Describes something important because it has serious consequences.

Definition in Japanese

命にかかわり、死や取り返しのつかない結果を招くほど重大なさま。inochi ni ka ka wa ri shi ya to ri kae shi no tsu ka na i kek ka o mane ku ho do jū dai na sa ma

Word origin

致命的 (chimeiteki) combines 致 (chi, "cause") and 命 (mei, "life"), with 的 (teki, "-like") forming an adjective meaning "causing death."

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 致命的 (chimeiteki) can describe mistakes, weaknesses, or delays as well as dangers to life, so fatal need not refer literally to death.

Other meanings

  • fatalna-adjective

Opposites

  • 無害mugaiharmlessna-adjective
  • 安全anzensafena-adjective

Word lists with this word