Meaning
A location that poses a risk of harm.
Cultural Background
In Japan, you will often see 'Kiken' signs with a character called 'Ojigi-bito' (the bowing man), who apologizes for the danger or inconvenience of construction. The concept of 'Defensible Space' in urban planning often labels certain areas as 'dangerous places' to justify increased lighting and surveillance. Students often create 'Safety Maps' of their neighborhoods, identifying '{危険|きけん}な{場所|ばしょ}' like abandoned houses or blind corners. In Japanese internet slang, 'Kiken' can sometimes be used to describe 'spicy' or 'risky' content on social media.
Look for the Yellow
In Japan, 'Kiken' is almost always written on yellow backgrounds. If you see yellow and black stripes, you are likely near a 'kiken na basho'.
Don't forget the 'NA'
Saying 'Kiken basho' sounds like caveman speech. Always include 'na'!
Meaning
A location that poses a risk of harm.
Look for the Yellow
In Japan, 'Kiken' is almost always written on yellow backgrounds. If you see yellow and black stripes, you are likely near a 'kiken na basho'.
Don't forget the 'NA'
Saying 'Kiken basho' sounds like caveman speech. Always include 'na'!
Use 'Abunai' for speed
If you see someone about to walk into danger, yell 'Abunai!' (Dangerous!) instead of the full phrase. It's faster and more effective.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle to complete the phrase.
{危険|きけん} ( ) {場所|ばしょ}
'Kiken' is a na-adjective, so it needs 'na' to modify the noun 'basho'.
Which sentence is the most natural warning for a child near a busy road?
Choose the best warning:
Roads are dangerous places, not safe, people, or delicious.
Match the Japanese phrase to its English translation.
Match the pairs:
Each adjective correctly modifies 'basho' to create a common description.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: {夜|よる}の{公園|こうえん}は ( ) ですか？ B: はい、{危|あぶ}ないですから{気|き}をつけてください。
The response mentions 'abunai' (dangerous), so the question must be asking if it is a 'kiken na basho'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of {危険|きけん}な{場所|ばしょ}
Nature
- • {崖|がけ} (Cliff)
- • {火山|かざん} (Volcano)
- • {急|きゅう}な{川|かわ} (Fast river)
Urban
- • {工事|こうじ}{現場|げんば} (Construction site)
- • {暗|くら}い{路地|ろじ} (Dark alley)
- • {廃屋|はいおく} (Abandoned house)
Practice Bank
4 exercises{危険|きけん} ( ) {場所|ばしょ}
'Kiken' is a na-adjective, so it needs 'na' to modify the noun 'basho'.
Choose the best warning:
Roads are dangerous places, not safe, people, or delicious.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each adjective correctly modifies 'basho' to create a common description.
A: {夜|よる}の{公園|こうえん}は ( ) ですか？ B: はい、{危|あぶ}ないですから{気|き}をつけてください。
The response mentions 'abunai' (dangerous), so the question must be asking if it is a 'kiken na basho'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's neutral. It's not overly formal, but 'Abunai tokoro' is definitely more common in casual chats.
Yes, but 'Bussou na basho' (unsettling/crime-prone place) is more specific for that context.
Because 'Kiken' is a na-adjective (adjectival noun), not a pure noun.
Yes, that means 'a dangerous person.' The grammar is the same.
Related Phrases
{安全|あんぜん}な{場所|ばしょ}
contrastA safe place
{危|あぶ}ない{所|ところ}
similarA dangerous spot/place
{立入|たちいり}{禁止|きんし}
builds onNo Entry
{避難|ひなん}{場所|ばしょ}
specialized formEvacuation site
