険けん

noun, na-adjective

steepness; steep place

Refers to a steep geographical feature or the quality of being steep. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.

• この山やま道みちは険けんが厳きびしい。

  This mountain path is very steep.

• その崖がけは険けんを極きわめる。

  That cliff is extremely steep.

noun, na-adjective

harsh (look); sharp (tongue)

Describes a stern, severe, or sharp expression or manner of speaking. The kanji 険 is most common, but 権 or 慳 may appear in older texts.

• 彼かれの険けんのある目めつきに、思おもわずたじろいだ。

  I flinched at his harsh glare.

• 険けんを含ふくんだ口く調ちょうで注ちゅう意いされた。

  I was warned in a sharp tone.