How to say "precarious" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 危ないあぶないJLPT N5approx.Common
    i-adjectiveCovers 'precarious' in the sense of dangerous or risky — something that could cause harm or go wrong, such as a risky act or spot. It is a direct everyday word for danger rather than for an unstable situation.
    火ひは非常ひじょうに危あぶない。↗
    Fire is very dangerous.
  • 危ういあやういJLPT N2approx.Common
    i-adjectiveMatches 'precarious (situation)': a state or balance in doubt, in jeopardy, that could easily collapse. It describes situations or positions at risk of failure or loss, not immediate physical danger.
    彼かれは今いま入院中にゅういんちゅうで、生いきられるかどうかは危あやうい状態じょうたいだ。↗
    He is now in the hospital and his life is in the balance.

Use 「危ない」 for physical danger or risk of something going wrong, and 「危うい」 for a precarious situation or state that could easily tip into failure or ruin.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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