崖がけっぷち

also: がけぶち

が

け

っ

ぷ

ち

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

noun

cliff edge; edge of a precipice

Literal physical edge of a cliff or steep drop. Often used in warnings or dramatic descriptions.

2

noun

brink; critical moment; perilous position

Figurative use for a dangerous situation where failure or disaster is imminent. Common in phrases like 崖っぷちに立たされる (to be driven to the brink).

崖がけっぷちUsage81%
Standard spelling. The っぷち is a colloquial contraction of 縁 (ふち).
がけっぷちUsage15%
崖がけっ縁ぷちUsage4%
Rare spelling using 縁 for ふち; the small っ is written explicitly.
崖縁
irregular okurigana
- がけぶち
  Rare spelling without the small っ. Reading がけぶち is less common; がけぷち also possible.
- がけぷち
がけぶち
がけぷち

瀬せ戸と際ぎわ
Also means a critical juncture, but 瀬戸際 emphasizes the decisive moment between success and failure, while 崖っぷち emphasizes the danger and precariousness of the position itself.
危き機き
A more formal and general word for crisis or danger. 崖っぷち is more vivid and colloquial.

Compound of 崖 (がけ, cliff) + っぷち, a colloquial contraction of 縁 (ふち, edge). The small っ adds emphasis and a casual tone.