Translation guide
Describes a location or surface that has a sharp incline, making it difficult to climb or traverse. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with adjectives like 急な (kyū na) or 険しい (kewashii), or nouns like 急斜面 (kyūshamen).
Describe a surface, hill, road, or path that rises or falls sharply.
The most common and neutral adjective for 'steep'. Used for slopes, stairs, roads, etc. It is a na-adjective.
This hill is steep, isn't it?
A noun meaning 'steep slope'. Often used in geographical or hiking contexts.
An i-adjective meaning 'steep' but with a nuance of being rugged, precipitous, or dangerous. Often used for mountains, cliffs, or paths.
Means 'sheer' or 'precipitous', describing a cliff or slope that is almost vertical. Used in descriptive or literary contexts.
We stood on top of a sheer cliff.
Describe a rapid rise in numbers, prices, or intensity.
Also used metaphorically for sudden or sharp changes, such as a steep increase in prices or a steep learning curve.
急な階段を上るのは大変だ。
Climbing steep stairs is tough.
That mountain has many steep slopes.
険しい山道を歩いた。
We walked along a steep mountain path.
The steep rise in prices is becoming a problem.
A na-adjective meaning 'rapid' or 'drastic', often used for steep changes in graphs, trends, or conditions.
Please be careful of the steep change in temperature.