steepness; steep place
Refers to a steep geographical feature or the quality of being steep. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
This mountain path is very steep.
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.
That cliff is extremely steep.
I flinched at his harsh glare.
I was warned in a sharp tone.
danger; hazard; dangerous · risk; chance of harm
insurance · guarantee; warranty; safeguard
adventure; venture · risky attempt; dangerous venture; risk
dangerous; tense; volatile; critical · stern; hostile; harsh; sharp
cruel; hard-hearted; harsh; unkind
crafty; sly; underhand · sinister (look)
natural defenses; steep place
steep; precipitous
steep; precipitous
forbidding look; uncanny look
steep path; dangerous mountain road
steep; precipitous · precipice; steep place
steep and dangerous; precipitous and perilous
universal health insurance; universal healthcare
cancer insurance
insurance premium
Standard kanji spelling for both senses.
Variant kanji form; less common than 険.
The kanji 険 originally depicts a steep, dangerous place. The extended sense of 'harsh' or 'sharp' likely derives from the idea of a severe, forbidding appearance.