Chinese word

危险

Pronunciation

Pinyinwēi xiǎn

Meaning

  • adjectivedangerous

Example

这里危险，小心点。zhè lǐ wēi xiǎn xiǎo xīn diǎn

It is dangerous here, so be careful.

Illustration for 危险 (dangerous)

More examples

不要做危险的行为，这样很容易受伤。bú yào zuò wēi xiǎn de xíng wéi zhè yàng hěn róng yì shòu shāng

Do not engage in dangerous behavior, as you could easily get hurt.

Core concept

An unstable condition or choice where harm or loss may result.

Common phrases

  • 很危险hěn wēi xiǎn

    very dangerous

  • 危险的地方wēi xiǎn de dì fāng

    dangerous place

  • 危险的行为wēi xiǎn de xíng wéi

    dangerous behavior

Similar words

安全ān quán: Not likely to cause harm or loss, allowing people to act without worry.
严重yán zhòng: Serious in degree or effect, with results that can be hard to deal with.

Definition in Chinese

存在伤害或损失可能的情况或事物，不安全或有风险。cún zài shāng hài huò sǔn shī kě néng de qíng kuàng huò shì wù bù ān quán huò yǒu fēng xiǎn

Word origin

In 危险 (wēixiǎn, "dangerous"), 危 (wēi, "precarious") suggests exposure to harm and 险 (xiǎn, "hazardous") reinforces the threat, producing a compound for an unsafe possibility.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may associate dangerous mainly with physical threats, but this adjective also fits financial or practical consequences, such as a risky purchase, shortcut, or decision.

Other meanings

  • riskyadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word