険難 (けんなん) Japanese meaning | KotomoraMeanings
1
na-adjective, noun
steep and dangerous; precipitous and perilous
Literary word describing terrain that is both steep and hazardous. Rare in modern conversation; mostly found in older or formal writing.
difficult, impossible, trouble
嶮inaccessible place, impregnable position, steep place Similar words
- 険しい
Common modern word for 'steep' or 'rugged'; 険難 is a rare literary compound emphasizing both steepness and danger.
- 危険
General word for 'danger'; 険難 specifically combines steepness with peril, and is not used for non-physical danger.
Etymology
Compound of 険 (steep, rugged) and 難 (difficulty, danger). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; it is a literary Sino-Japanese word.
