Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Dangerous" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "dangerous", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
危険な
きけんな (kikenna)
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 危険な and 危うい.
In Japanese, 危険な (きけんな (kikenna)) is typically associated with "dangerous, hazardous" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Describes situations or things that pose a threat, risk, or danger. 「な」adjective..
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 "危険な"
その場所は危険なので、近づかないでください。
That 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: "その場所は ＿＿＿ ので、近づかないでください。" (Meaning: "That place is dangerous, so please don't go near it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "危険な" fits here because it means "dangerous, hazardous" in the context of: "That place is dangerous, so please don't go near it.". "危うい" represents "dangerous; risky; narrow escape; precarious".