Translation guide
The English word "dangerous" covers physical risk, harmful situations, and even metaphorical threats. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 危ない (abunai), but other words like 危険 (kiken) and やばい (yabai) are used depending on formality, intensity, and context. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
dangerous (slang)
Casual, can also mean 'amazing' or 'terrible'
Describing a situation, place, or action that could cause physical harm.
The most common and versatile word for 'dangerous'. Used in everyday speech for immediate physical danger. Can also be used as an exclamation ('Watch out!').
That road is dangerous at night.
A more formal noun/adjective meaning 'danger' or 'dangerous'. Often used in written warnings, signs, or official contexts. Can be used as 危険な (kiken na) before nouns.
Slang term that can mean 'dangerous', 'risky', or 'terrible'. Very common in casual speech among younger people. Can also mean 'amazing' or 'terrible' depending on context, so be careful.
Means 'dangerous' in the sense of being close to a negative outcome, often with a nuance of 'almost' or 'barely'. More literary or formal than 危ない.
Describing people, ideas, or situations that are harmful in a non-physical way, such as morally, socially, or politically.
Used for abstract dangers, such as dangerous ideologies, dangerous people, or dangerous situations that are not immediately physical.
Describing actions or decisions that have a high chance of failure or negative consequences.
Shouting or signaling immediate danger.
The standard exclamation for 'Watch out!' or 'Danger!'.
危ない (abunai) is the everyday word for 'dangerous', used in speech and informal writing. 危険 (kiken) is more formal and often appears in written warnings, news, and official documents. 危険 can also be a noun meaning 'danger', while 危ない is only an adjective.
This river is dangerous, so don't swim.
It's dangerous to go alone.
Watch out! Be careful of the car!
このエリアは危険ですので立ち入り禁止です。
This area is dangerous, so entry is prohibited.
It's dangerous work.
この階段、やばいよ。気をつけて。
These stairs are dangerous. Be careful.
危ういところで助かった。
I was saved at a dangerous moment (just in time).
He is a dangerous person.
That way of thinking is dangerous.
Can also be used for non-physical dangers, but often sounds more colloquial and immediate. For example, a 'dangerous plan' or 'dangerous situation'.
Isn't that plan a bit dangerous?
Slang for a bad or risky situation, often used when something is socially or personally dangerous.
If you get involved with that person, it'll become dangerous.
Often used for risky bets, gambles, or uncertain plans.
That kind of investment is risky/dangerous.
Literally 'there is risk'. A more neutral, business-like way to say something is dangerous in the sense of risky.
This plan has a big risk (is dangerous).
Means 'high degree of danger/risk'. Used in formal analysis or reports.
This surgery is highly dangerous/risky.
Danger! Get back!
Used on signs or in formal warnings. Not typically shouted in conversation.
Danger! Keep out!
There is a danger of swimming in this river.
やばい is very common in casual speech, but it's slang and can sound inappropriate in formal situations. Also, it has a wide range of meanings (dangerous, terrible, amazing, cool), so context is crucial. When in doubt, use 危ない or 危険.
危ない can be used for risky plans, questionable situations, or even people who seem untrustworthy. It's a flexible word that covers many of the same metaphorical uses as English 'dangerous'.
This chemical is dangerous.