Translation guide
Describes a surface that rises or falls sharply. In Japanese, the most common word is 急な坂 (kyuu na saka), but there are several other expressions depending on context and nuance.
To describe a slope that is steep in a general sense, such as a hill, road, or path.
The most common and neutral way to say 'steep slope'. 急 (kyuu) means 'steep' or 'sudden', and 坂 (saka) means 'slope' or 'hill'. Can be used for roads, paths, hills, etc.
This road has many steep slopes.
It's tough to go up a steep slope by bicycle.
A compound noun meaning 'steep slope'. Slightly more formal or written than 急な坂. Often used in signs or descriptions.
Steep slope ahead.
Implies a steep and rugged slope, often with a sense of danger or difficulty. 険しい (kewashii) means 'steep' or 'precipitous', but also 'rugged' or 'stern'.
The mountain path continues with steep, rugged slopes.
A more technical way to say 'steep slope', emphasizing the gradient. 勾配 (koubai) means 'gradient' or 'slope'. Used in engineering or formal descriptions.
This slope has a steep gradient and cannot be climbed by car.
To describe a slope that is extremely steep, like a cliff or precipice.
Means 'sheer cliff' or 'precipice'. Used for vertical or near-vertical rock faces. Not typically used for roads.
The mountain is surrounded by sheer cliffs.
Describes a steep, sheer cliff. 切り立った (kiritatta) means 'sheer' or 'precipitous', and 崖 (gake) means 'cliff'.
A formal, technical term for a steep slope or incline. 急峻 (kyuushun) means 'steep' and 斜面 (shamen) means 'slope' or 'incline'. Often used in geography or engineering.
To describe a steep slope encountered while hiking or climbing.
A term used in hiking and mountaineering to describe a steep ascent. Literally 'steep climb'.
This route has a steep climb right from the start.
A colloquial way to say the slope is steep or tough. 傾斜 (keisha) means 'incline' or 'slope', and きつい (kitsui) means 'tough' or 'steep'.
To refer to a steep slope as a traffic hazard or road feature.
急な坂 simply means the slope is steep. 険しい坂 adds a nuance of ruggedness, danger, or difficulty beyond just the angle. Use 険しい for mountain paths or cliffs, and 急な for everyday hills and roads.
This slope is steep, but not rugged.
絶壁 means a sheer cliff or precipice. It is not used for steep roads or hills. For a very steep road, use 急勾配 or 急な坂.
This road is a sheer cliff. (unnatural)
Sheer cliffs line the coast.
This area has many steep slopes.
This mountain has a steep slope, so it takes time to climb.
Use engine braking on steep downhill slopes.