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危うい
ayaui
dangerous
この橋は危ういから渡らない方がいい。
This bridge is dangerous, so you shouldn’t cross it.
formal
In a state where danger or risk is imminent; precarious.
崖の上に危うい足場で立っている。
He’s standing on a precarious ledge on the cliff.
状況が危うくなってきた。
The situation has become dangerous.
formal
Uncertain or unreliable; likely to fail or collapse.
その計画は成功の危うい状態にある。
That plan is in a precarious state of success.
literary
Close to being lost or ruined; on the verge of disaster.
命が危うい状態にある。
His life is in a critical state.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 危うい vs. 危ない
Use 危うい for situations where danger is imminent or a state is precarious (e.g., 危うい立場). Use 危ない for general danger or warnings (e.g., 危ない場所). 危うい carries a slightly more literary or formal tone.
Gold Rule
When to use 危うい
Use 危うい when describing situations that are on the brink of disaster, instability, or failure—often with a sense of tension or urgency. It implies a fragile state where things could collapse at any moment.
Word Origin
From Old Japanese 危し (ayauki), related to the verb 危ぶむ (ayabumu, 'to fear'). The kanji 危 depicts a person (人) standing on a cliff (厂), symbolizing peril.
Usage Notes
危うい emphasizes imminent danger or instability, often implying a narrow escape or fragile state. It is more literary/formal than 危ない (abunai), which is more common in everyday speech. Often used in contexts involving physical danger, uncertainty, or near-disaster scenarios.
Word Breakdown
危
danger, peril
rootうい
adjective-forming suffix (archaic)
suffix和英辞典