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
危ない
あぶない (abunai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "dangerous" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 危険な and 危ない.
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, 危ない (あぶない (abunai)) maps to "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.. 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.
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.". "危ない" represents "dangerous, risky, narrow escape".