Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Dangerous" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "dangerous", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
危ない
あぶない (abunai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
危うい
あやうい (ayaui)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "dangerous" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 危ない and 危うい.
In Japanese, 危ない (あぶない (abunai)) is typically associated with "dangerous, risky, narrow escape" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to describe physical danger or a situation with a close call. Can also be an exclamation when danger is imminent..
On the other hand, 危うい (あやうい (ayaui)) maps to "dangerous; risky; narrow escape; precarious" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a situation or condition that is dangerous, precarious, or on the verge of something bad happening. Often used in expressions like 「危ういところで」. A literal translation of "dangerous" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "危ない"
この場所は危ないから、近づかないでください。
This place is dangerous, so please don't go near it.
Bilingual Context for "危うい"
あと少しで事故になるところだった。危うい！
It was almost an accident. That was close!
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この場所は ＿＿＿ から、近づかないでください。" (Meaning: "This place is dangerous, so please don't go near it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "危ない" fits here because it means "dangerous, risky, narrow escape" in the context of: "This place is dangerous, so please don't go near it.". "危うい" represents "dangerous; risky; narrow escape; precarious".