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危ない
abunai
dangerous
この道は夜になると危ない。
This road is dangerous at night.
informal
Likely to cause harm or injury; posing a threat.
この橋は古いから危ない。
This bridge is old, so it's dangerous.
危ない！車が来るよ。
Watch out! A car is coming.
Used to warn someone about a potential danger or to describe a situation that could lead to harm.
informal
Risky; likely to result in failure or trouble.
彼と付き合うのは危ないと思う。
I think it's risky to date him.
Often used in social or personal contexts to describe uncertain or precarious situations.
informal
Close to a critical or dangerous point; precarious.
このプロジェクトは期限が危ない。
This project is on a tight deadline.
Used to describe situations where time, resources, or conditions are nearly exhausted.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 危ない vs 危険
Use 危ない for general warnings or situations that feel risky, while 危険 is more formal and often used in signs, warnings, or serious contexts (e.g., '危険物' for hazardous materials).
Gold Rule
Safety first!
When someone says 危ない, take it seriously. It’s a direct warning to avoid potential harm.
Word Origin
From the adjective 危い (あぶない, abunai) meaning 'dangerous' or 'risky', which itself comes from the noun 危 (あぶ, abu) meaning 'danger' or 'risk'. The kanji 危 depicts a person (人) standing on the edge of a cliff (⻖), symbolizing peril.
Usage Notes
危ない is a versatile adjective used in both literal and figurative contexts. It can describe physical danger (e.g., a slippery road) or metaphorical risks (e.g., a risky business decision). In informal speech, it can also express excitement or intensity (e.g., 'This movie is amazing!' in a casual context).
Word Breakdown
危
danger
rootない
not
suffix和英辞典