きわどい

i-adjective

risky; dangerous; close; narrow

Describes a situation that is barely safe, almost failing, or a narrow margin. Often used for close games, narrow victories, or risky actions.

• きわどいところで勝かった。

  We won by a narrow margin.

• その計けい画かくはきわどいと思おもう。

  I think that plan is risky.

i-adjective

suggestive; risqué; delicate; questionable

Used for jokes, remarks, clothing, or questions that are almost indecent, too personal, or morally borderline.

• 彼かれのジョークはいつもきわどい。

  His jokes are always risqué.

• きわどい質しつ問もんをしてしまった。

  I ended up asking a delicate question.

i-adjective

extreme; harsh; cruel

Archaic usage; now rarely used. Describes something severe, harsh, or cruel in an old-fashioned sense.

• 古こ文ぶんでは「きわどい仕し打うち」のように使つかわれた。

  In classical texts, it was used like 'harsh treatment'.