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A2 adjective #6,000 mais comum 7 min de leitura

険しい

kewashii Top 6,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 険しい em 30 segundos

Explicação 険しい in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on basic physical descriptions. 'Kewashii' is introduced primarily to describe mountains. Since Japan is famous for its mountains, students learn this word alongside 'yama' (mountain). The goal is to understand that some mountains are easy to walk up, while others are 'kewashii' (steep/rugged). Focus on the basic 'Noun wa Adjective desu' structure: 'Yama wa kewashii desu.' (The mountain is steep.) Use simple visual aids of rocky peaks to reinforce the meaning. Avoid metaphorical uses for now to prevent confusion.

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At the A2 level, learners expand 'kewashii' to include facial expressions. You might say 'Tanaka-san wa kewashii kao o shite imasu' (Mr. Tanaka has a grim look). This level also introduces the past tense 'kewashikatta' and the negative 'kewashikunai'. Learners should start distinguishing 'kewashii' from 'kyuu-na' (steep/sudden). They should be able to follow simple warnings in a hiking context, such as 'Kono saki wa kewashii desu' (It is steep ahead). Basic metaphors like 'kewashii michi' (a difficult path) in a literal sense are appropriate.

At B1, the metaphorical use of 'kewashii' becomes more prominent. Learners use it to describe abstract concepts like 'the road to success' (seikou e no kewashii michi) or 'a difficult situation' (kewashii joukyou). They should understand the nuance that 'kewashii' implies a series of obstacles, not just a single hard task. Grammar focus includes using the adverbial form 'kewashiku' to describe how things are changing, such as 'Keisha ga kewashiku naru' (The slope is getting steeper). Reading news snippets about sports or politics where 'kewashii' appears is a good practice.

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At the B2 level, learners should master the nuances of 'kewashii' in literature and formal reporting. They can differentiate between 'kewashii' and 'kibishii' in complex sentences. For example, they can explain why a 'kewashii gaze' (kewashii manazashi) implies tension while a 'kibishii gaze' implies judgment. They should be comfortable with the word in business contexts, such as describing a competitive market or a difficult negotiation. Synonyms like 'kenshun' (steep and rugged) might be introduced to contrast with the more common 'kewashii'.

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At C1, learners use 'kewashii' with high precision in creative writing or professional discourse. They can use it to evoke specific atmospheres in storytelling, such as 'kewashii kigan' (rugged, strange-looking rocks) to set a scene. They understand historical or idiomatic nuances, such as how 'kewashii' might be used in classic Japanese literature to describe the boundary between worlds. They can discuss the philosophical implications of a 'kewashii' life path and use the word to add gravity to their speech. Mastery of the kanji 険 and its compounds is expected.

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At the C2 level, 'kewashii' is used with native-like flair, including rare collocations and poetic applications. The learner can analyze how the word's meaning has evolved or how it is used by specific authors to convey 'mono no aware' or the harshness of reality. They can use 'kewashii' in high-level debates about social issues, using it to describe the 'precipitous' decline of certain industries or the 'rugged' nature of social reform. They are sensitive to the word's phonology and how its sharp 'ke' and 'wa' sounds contribute to its meaning of harshness.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

険しい em 30 segundos

Primarily means 'steep' or 'rugged' for mountains.
Used for 'grim' or 'stern' facial expressions.
Describes 'arduous' or 'difficult' life paths/situations.
It is an i-adjective (conjugates to ~kunai, ~katta).

The Japanese word 険しい (kewashii) is a versatile i-adjective primarily used to describe physical terrain that is steep, rugged, or difficult to traverse. However, its utility extends far beyond geography into the realms of human emotion and abstract situations. When you encounter this word, think of an incline so sharp it requires effort to climb, or a situation so fraught with difficulty that it feels like an uphill battle. It is a word that conveys both physical height and psychological weight.

Physical Terrain: Used to describe mountains, cliffs, or paths that are precipitous and dangerous. It implies a degree of ruggedness that suggests the terrain is not easily conquered.

この山道はとても険しいので、注意してください。 (This mountain path is very steep, so please be careful.)

Facial Expressions: When applied to a person's face (顔つき - kaotsuki) or eyes (目つき - metsuki), it describes a grim, stern, or severe look. It suggests that the person is deep in thought, angry, or facing a grave problem.

彼は険しい表情で書類を読んでいた。 (He was reading the documents with a grim expression.)

Situational Difficulty: It characterizes situations that are harsh or demanding. For instance, the 'road to peace' or the 'path to championship' is frequently described as 'kewashii' in news reports to emphasize the obstacles ahead.

優勝への道は険しい。 (The road to the championship is steep/difficult.)

Understanding 'kewashii' requires recognizing the nuance of 'inaccessibility.' Whether it is a mountain peak that is hard to reach or a person's inner thoughts that are hard to read due to their stern exterior, the core concept remains a barrier created by steepness or severity. In Japanese culture, where perseverance (ganbaru) is highly valued, describing a path as 'kewashii' is often a way to acknowledge the effort required to succeed.

Using 険しい (kewashii) correctly involves mastering its role as an i-adjective. It can directly modify nouns or act as a predicate. Because it carries a heavy, serious tone, it is rarely used for trivial inconveniences.

As a Direct Modifier: Place it directly before the noun. This is the most common way to describe physical landmarks or specific facial features.

険しい山を登るには、しっかりとした装備が必要です。 (To climb a rugged mountain, you need proper equipment.)

As a Predicate: When used at the end of a sentence, it describes the state of the subject. In formal Japanese, you add 'desu' after the dictionary form.

将来の見通しは非常に険しい。 (The outlook for the future is extremely grim/severe.)

Conjugation Patterns: Negative: 険しくない (kewashikunai). Past: 険しかった (kewashikatta). Past Negative: 険しくなかった (kewashikunakatta).

昨日の彼の表情は、今まで見たことがないほど険しかった。 (His expression yesterday was grimmer than I had ever seen before.)

When using 'kewashii' for emotions, it is often used with 'kao' (face) or 'manazashi' (gaze). It implies a lack of relaxation or a presence of internal conflict. In nature writing, it is used to evoke the sublime—the beauty of nature that is also terrifyingly powerful and inaccessible. Always ensure that the context warrants such a strong descriptor; using it for a slightly tilted road would sound unnatural and overly dramatic.

You will encounter 険しい (kewashii) in various spheres of Japanese life, ranging from the literal to the highly metaphorical. It is a staple of news broadcasts, weather reports, literature, and serious conversation.

News and Journalism: Reporters use it to describe geopolitical tensions, economic downturns, or long-term social challenges. Phrases like 'kewashii michinori' (a steep road ahead) are common when discussing peace negotiations or policy changes.

経済再生への道は依然として険しい。 (The path to economic recovery remains steep.)

Outdoor and Travel: In hiking guides or travel documentaries, 'kewashii' is used to warn travelers about difficult terrain. It distinguishes a casual walk from a serious climb.

この先は険しい崖が続いています。 (From here on, there are steep cliffs.)

Business Context: During a meeting, if a manager looks at a project proposal with a 'kewashii' face, it signifies that there are significant hurdles or that the plan is seen as problematic.

上司は険しい顔で予算案をチェックした。 (The boss checked the budget proposal with a grim face.)

In everyday life, you might hear a parent warning a child about a 'kewashii' slope at a park, or friends discussing the 'kewashii' requirements for a top-tier university. It is a word that demands respect for the subject being described, acknowledging that it is not to be taken lightly. Whether listening to the news or reading a novel, 'kewashii' serves as a linguistic signal for 'difficulty' and 'seriousness'.

While 険しい (kewashii) is common, learners often confuse it with other adjectives that describe difficulty or severity. Understanding the boundaries of this word is key to sounding natural.

Confusion with 厳しい (Kibishii): 'Kibishii' means strict, severe, or intense. Use 'kibishii' for rules, teachers, or weather. Use 'kewashii' for physical steepness or a grim look. You can have a 'kibishii sensei' (strict teacher), but not a 'kewashii sensei' (unless the teacher's face is permanently grim).

❌ 校則が険しい。 (The school rules are steep - Incorrect)
✅ 校則が厳しい。 (The school rules are strict - Correct)

Confusion with 難しい (Muzukashii): 'Muzukashii' is the general word for 'difficult' (like a math problem). 'Kewashii' is specifically 'steep' or 'arduous'. Use 'kewashii' when the difficulty is like climbing a mountain.

Incorrect Subject Pairing: 'Kewashii' is rarely used for personality traits. You wouldn't call someone a 'kewashii hito' to mean they are mean. It refers to their *state* or *appearance* (kewashii kao), not their character.

彼は険しい人だ。 (He is a steep person - Incorrect/Weird)
彼は険しい顔をしている。 (He has a grim look on his face - Correct)

Another mistake is overusing it for simple hills. In Japan, which is very mountainous, people have many words for slopes. 'Kewashii' implies a level of difficulty that might require hands or specialized gear, or at least causes significant breathlessness. For a simple slope that is just 'steep' but paved, 'kyuu-na' (sudden/steep) is often more appropriate. Remember: 'kewashii' is for the dramatic and the arduous.

To truly master 険しい (kewashii), you should know the words that surround it in the Japanese vocabulary landscape. Here is how it compares to its closest neighbors.

険しい (Kewashii) vs. 急な (Kyuu-na): 'Kyuu-na' simply means 'steep' or 'sudden'. It is used for stairs, slopes, or turns. 'Kewashii' adds a layer of 'ruggedness' and 'difficulty'. A staircase is 'kyuu', but a mountain ridge is 'kewashii'.

険しい (Kewashii) vs. 厳しい (Kibishii): As mentioned, 'kibishii' is for strictness or harsh conditions (like winter). While both can describe a 'severe' face, 'kewashii' implies tension and grimness, while 'kibishii' implies a stern, disciplinarian look.

険しい (Kewashii) vs. 激しい (Hagashii): 'Hagashii' means intense or violent (like rain or a fight). 'Kewashii' is static (a mountain doesn't move), whereas 'hagashii' involves movement or energy.

The choice of word depends on the 'flavor' of difficulty:
1. Physical/Rugged -> 険しい
2. Strict/Harsh -> 厳しい
3. Sudden/Sharp -> 急な

Other related terms include 'Kinniku' (strained) for facial expressions, or 'Kunan' (hardships) for the metaphorical 'kewashii' path. By choosing 'kewashii', you are specifically painting a picture of a rocky, steep climb, whether that climb is literal or figurative. It is the word of the mountain climber and the weary traveler alike.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The kanji for 'kewashii' (険) is the same one used in 'kiken' (danger) and 'bouken' (adventure), showing the deep cultural link between steep terrain and risk.

Guia de pronúncia

UK ke.wa.ɕiː

US ke.wɑ.ʃi

Japanese pitch accent is usually Low-High-High-Low (Heiban or Nakadaka depending on dialect), but standard is 'ke-WA-SHII'.

Rima com

Atarashii (New) Ureshii (Happy) Kanashii (Sad) Yasashii (Easy/Kind) Sabishii (Lonely) Kibishii (Strict) Isogashii (Busy) Tanoshii (Fun)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'wa' as 'wo'.
Shortening the final 'ii'.
Over-emphasizing the 'ke' syllable.
Confusing the 'sh' with a hard 's'.
Missing the subtle pitch drop at the end.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

The kanji is somewhat complex but common in literature.

Escrita 4/5

The kanji 険 has many strokes and requires practice.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Audição 2/5

Easily distinguishable from other adjectives.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

山 (Yama) 道 (Michi) 高い (Takai) 顔 (Kao) 難しい (Muzukashii)

Aprenda a seguir

厳しい (Kibishii) 激しい (Hagashii) 険悪 (Ken'aku) 崖 (Gake) 斜面 (Shamen)

Avançado

険峻 (Kenshun) 峻険 (Shunken) 断崖絶壁 (Dangai Zeppeki) 前途多難 (Zento Tanan) 暗雲低迷 (An'un Teimei)

Gramática essencial

i-adjective conjugation

険しい -> 険しくない -> 険しかった

~sugiru (too much)

険しすぎる (too steep)

~sou (looks like)

険しそうだ (looks steep)

Adverbial form + naru

険しくなる (become steep)

Noun + modifier

険しい山 (steep mountain)

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Exemplos por nível

この山は険しいです。

This mountain is steep.

Simple A is B sentence structure.

険しい道ですね。

It's a steep road, isn't it?

Adjective modifying a noun.

あの山は険しくないです。

That mountain is not steep.

Negative form of i-adjective.

険しい山に登ります。

I will climb a steep mountain.

Verb following a noun phrase.

道が険しいから、気をつけて。

The road is steep, so be careful.

Using 'kara' for reason.

ここは険しいですか？

Is it steep here?

Question form.

険しい山が好きです。

I like steep mountains.

Expressing preference.

とても険しい場所です。

It is a very steep place.

Adverb 'totemo' modifying adjective.

彼は険しい顔をしています。

He has a grim look on his face.

Describing appearance.

昨日の道は険しかった。

Yesterday's road was steep.

Past tense of i-adjective.

もっと険しい山に行きたいです。

I want to go to a steeper mountain.

Comparative 'motto'.

険しい顔で怒鳴りました。

He shouted with a grim face.

Adverbial use within a phrase.

この階段は険しすぎます。

These stairs are too steep.

Using '~sugiru' for excess.

険しい山道を歩きました。

I walked on a rugged mountain path.

Noun modification.

彼女の表情が険しくなった。

Her expression became grim.

Change of state with 'naru'.

険しくない道を選びましょう。

Let's choose a path that isn't steep.

Negative modifier.

合格への道は険しい。

The road to passing (the exam) is steep.

Metaphorical use.

険しい崖を登るのは危険だ。

Climbing steep cliffs is dangerous.

Gerund phrase as subject.

事態は険しさを増している。

The situation is becoming more severe.

Noun form 'kewashisa'.

険しい目つきで睨まれた。

I was glared at with sharp eyes.

Passive voice.

山が険しくなるにつれて、空気が薄くなった。

As the mountain got steeper, the air got thinner.

'~ni tsurete' grammar.

険しい山脈が国境になっている。

Rugged mountain ranges form the border.

Describing geography.

彼は険しい人生を歩んできた。

He has walked a difficult path in life.

Abstract life path.

険しい表情を崩さなかった。

He didn't break his grim expression.

Negative potential/action.

交渉の行方は険しいものと予想される。

The outcome of the negotiations is expected to be difficult.

Formal prediction.

険しい地形で知られる地域だ。

It is an area known for its rugged terrain.

Passive 'shirareru'.

彼女は険しい口調で反論した。

She countered with a harsh tone.

Describing tone of voice.

険しい道のりだが、諦めるわけにはいかない。

It's a steep road, but we cannot give up.

'~wake ni wa ikanai' (cannot afford to).

雲行きが怪しくなり、山はさらに険しく見えた。

The weather turned suspicious, and the mountain looked even more forbidding.

Combining adjectives.

険しい自然の中で生き抜く。

Surviving in the harsh/rugged nature.

Describing environment.

そのニュースを聞いて、彼の顔は険しく歪んだ。

Hearing the news, his face contorted grimly.

Describing physical reaction.

険しい崖っぷちに立たされている。

We are being pushed to a steep cliff's edge (metaphorical).

Idiomatic expression.

険峻な山嶺が連なっている。

Steep and rugged mountain peaks are stretching out.

Using 'Kenshun' (synonym).

前途多難で、道のりは極めて険しい。

The future is full of difficulties, and the journey is extremely arduous.

Four-character idiom 'Zento Tanan'.

険しい山容が夕日に映える。

The rugged appearance of the mountain shines in the sunset.

Literary term 'Sanyou'.

彼の険しい眼光に射抜かれたような気がした。

I felt as if I were pierced by his sharp, severe gaze.

Metaphorical 'inukaru'.

険しい社会の荒波を乗り越える。

Overcoming the rough waves of a harsh society.

Social metaphor.

険しい表情の奥に悲しみが透けて見えた。

Behind the grim expression, sadness was visible.

Nuanced observation.

その道は険しく、容易に人を寄せ付けない。

The path is steep and does not easily allow people near.

Personification of terrain.

険しい山岳地帯での救助活動は困難を極めた。

Rescue operations in the rugged mountainous area were extremely difficult.

Formal reporting style.

峻烈かつ険しい自然の摂理を説く。

Explaining the severe and harsh laws of nature.

Highly formal/philosophical.

険しい表情に刻まれた皺が彼の苦労を物語っている。

The wrinkles etched in his grim face tell the story of his hardships.

Literary personification.

その山は、神々しいまでに険しかった。

The mountain was steep to the point of being divine.

Adverbial 'made ni'.

険しい世相を反映した作品群。

A group of works reflecting the harsh social conditions.

Art criticism context.

険しい岩肌が剥き出しになっている。

The rugged rock face is exposed.

Technical description.

政治的空白が生む、険しい対立の構図。

A pattern of sharp confrontation created by a political vacuum.

Political analysis.

険しい山道を辿る巡礼者の列。

A line of pilgrims following a rugged mountain path.

Evocative imagery.

険しいまでの沈黙が部屋を支配した。

A silence so severe it was almost 'steep' dominated the room.

Synesthetic use of the adjective.

Colocações comuns

険しい山道

険しい表情

険しい道のり

険しい崖

険しい目つき

険しい地形

険しい坂

険しい状況

険しい口調

険しい岩場

Frases Comuns

前途は険しい

— The future path is full of difficulties.

新事業の前途は険しい。

険しい顔をする

— To make a grim or stern face.

彼はニュースを見て険しい顔をした。

険しい山に挑む

— To challenge a steep mountain.

エベレストという険しい山に挑む。

険しい道のりを経て

— After going through a difficult journey.

険しい道のりを経て、ようやく合意に達した。

険しい自然

— Harsh or rugged nature.

険しい自然の中で暮らす人々。

険しい目で見つめる

— To stare with severe or sharp eyes.

彼女は険しい目で私を見つめた。

険しい山脈

— Rugged mountain range.

ヒマラヤは険しい山脈だ。

険しい表情を緩める

— To relax a grim expression.

彼はようやく険しい表情を緩めた。

険しい場所

— A steep or dangerous place.

子供には険しい場所だ。

険しい岩壁

— A steep rock wall.

険しい岩壁をよじ登る。

Frequentemente confundido com

険しい vs 厳しい (Kibishii)

Kibishii is for people/rules/weather; Kewashii is for terrain/expressions.

険しい vs 難しい (Muzukashii)

Muzukashii is general difficulty; Kewashii is 'steep' difficulty.

険しい vs 急な (Kyuu-na)

Kyuu-na is 'sudden' or 'steep' (stairs); Kewashii is 'rugged' (mountains).

Expressões idiomáticas

"険しい道のり"

— Not just a physical path, but any process that is very difficult.

復興への険しい道のり。

Common

"眉間に険しい皺を寄せる"

— To knit one's brows into deep, grim wrinkles.

彼は眉間に険しい皺を寄せて考え込んだ。

Literary

"険しい崖っぷち"

— Being on the edge of a precipice (a very dangerous situation).

チームは険しい崖っぷちに立たされている。

Common

"険しい山を越える"

— To overcome a major hurdle.

最大の険しい山を越えたところだ。

Metaphorical

"険しい目つき"

— Describing a gaze that is sharp and forbidding.

彼の険しい目つきに圧倒された。

Common

"険しい表情を崩さない"

— To maintain a stern face regardless of the situation.

彼は最後まで険しい表情を崩さなかった。

Common

"険しい山河"

— Rugged mountains and rivers (representing wild nature).

険しい山河を越えて旅をする。

Literary

"険しい言葉"

— Harsh or sharp words.

つい険しい言葉を投げかけてしまった。

Rare

"険しい顔つき"

— A stern or severe facial appearance.

彼の険しい顔つきから怒りが伝わる。

Common

"険しい道を行く"

— To choose the harder, more challenging path in life.

あえて険しい道を行くことにした。

Inspirational

Fácil de confundir

険しい vs 険悪 (Ken'aku)

Shares the same first kanji.

Ken'aku refers specifically to a bad atmosphere or relationship, not physical steepness.

二人の仲は険悪だ。

険しい vs 険峻 (Kenshun)

Very similar meaning.

Kenshun is a formal noun/na-adjective for mountains; Kewashii is a common i-adjective.

険峻な山嶺。

険しい vs 危ない (Abunai)

Steep things are often dangerous.

Abunai is 'dangerous'; Kewashii is 'steep'. A steep path might be kewashii but safe if you have gear.

危ないから止まれ。

険しい vs 激しい (Hagashii)

Both mean 'severe'.

Hagashii is for movement/intensity (rain, wind); Kewashii is for state/terrain.

激しい雨。

険しい vs 酷い (Hidoi)

Both can mean 'harsh'.

Hidoi is 'cruel' or 'terrible'; Kewashii is 'rugged' or 'grim'.

酷い仕打ち。

Padrões de frases

[Place] は険しいです。

その山は険しいです。

険しい [Noun] を [Verb]。

険しい道を歩きます。

[Goal] への道は険しい。

成功への道は険しい。

険しい [Expression] を浮かべる。

険しい表情を浮かべる。

険しく [Verb]。

道が険しく切り立っている。

険しい [Situation] を反映する。

険しい世相を反映する。

険しさを増す。

寒さが険しさを増す。

険しくなった。

顔が険しくなった。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

険しさ (Kewashisa - steepness/severity)

険峻 (Kenshun - steepness)

危険 (Kiken - danger)

Verbos

険しくなる (Kewashiku naru - to become steep)

Adjetivos

険しい (Kewashii)

Relacionado

険悪 (Ken'aku - hostile)

探険 (Tanken - exploration)

冒険 (Bouken - adventure)

保険 (Hoken - insurance)

険路 (Kenro - steep road)

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Como usar

frequency

High in news, literature, and outdoor contexts; medium in daily casual speech.

Erros comuns

Using 'kewashii' for a strict teacher. → Kibishii sensei.
'Kewashii' is for terrain or temporary facial expressions, not personality/strictness.
Saying 'kewashii-na michi' for a steep road. → Kewashii michi.
'Kewashii' is an i-adjective, not a na-adjective.
Using 'kewashii' for a difficult math problem. → Muzukashii mondai.
'Kewashii' implies physical steepness or an arduous journey, not intellectual difficulty.
Confusing 'kewashii' with 'kyuu-na' for stairs. → Kyuu-na kaidan.
'Kyuu-na' is for man-made steepness; 'kewashii' is for rugged, natural steepness.
Writing '険しい' with the 'test' kanji '験'. → 険しい.
The 'hill' radical is essential for the meaning of steepness.

Dicas

Mountain Rule

If you are talking about a mountain that looks like a jagged tooth, 'kewashii' is your best friend.

Adjective Ending

Remember it's an i-adjective. Never say 'kewashii-da'; always 'kewashii' or 'kewashii desu'.

Face Reading

Use 'kewashii' to describe the face of a detective solving a hard case—it's the perfect 'thinking hard/serious' word.

K for Killer

Kewashii starts with K. Think of a 'Killer' climb up a 'K' shaped peak.

Japan's Terrain

Since Japan is 70% mountains, you will see this word on hiking signs everywhere. Learn it for safety!

Kanji Radical

The left radical (阝) means hill. This helps you remember it's about terrain.

Soft 'shii'

Don't rush the 'shii' at the end; let it linger slightly to sound more native.

News Keyword

When you hear 'kewashii' on the news, pay attention—it means something difficult is happening.

Metaphor Magic

Use 'kewashii michinori' in your essays to show you understand Japanese metaphors for 'the struggle'.

Not for People

Don't call your mean boss 'kewashii'; call their rules 'kibishii' instead.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'K-way' (Kewashii) mountain that is so steep you need a 'Way' to get up it. The 'K' stands for 'Killer' incline.

Associação visual

Imagine a jagged, lightning-bolt shaped mountain peak. The sharp edges represent the 'ke' and 'wa' sounds.

Word Web

Mountain Steep Rugged Grim Stern Difficult Cliff Path

Desafio

Try to use 'kewashii' to describe a difficult video game level or a very serious scene in a movie.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Old Japanese word 'kewashi'. The kanji '険' (ken) consists of the radical for 'mound/hill' (阝) and a phonetic component meaning 'all' or 'together' (僉), originally referring to a high, steep place where people gather for defense.

Significado original: A steep, inaccessible mountain or cliff.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

Avoid using 'kewashii' to describe a person's physical attractiveness; it is strictly about expression or terrain.

English speakers might use 'rugged' or 'steep', but 'kewashii' specifically blends these with a sense of 'forbidding'.

Mount Fuji's summit trails are often described as 'kewashii'. The film 'The Summit of the Gods' (Kamigami no Itadaki) uses this word frequently. Traditional ukiyo-e prints often depict 'kewashii' cliffs.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Mountain Climbing

険しいルート
険しい岩場
険しい山頂
険しい斜面

Business Meetings

険しい見通し
険しい交渉
険しい表情
険しい道のり

Weather Reports

険しい自然環境
険しい山岳地帯の天気
険しい寒さ
険しい波

Literature/Storytelling

険しい目つき
険しい山脈
険しい運命
険しい顔立ち

Daily Commute

険しい坂道
険しい階段
険しい近道
険しい通り

Iniciadores de conversa

"この山道、結構険しいですね。 (This mountain path is quite steep, isn't it?)"

"どうしてそんなに険しい顔をしているの？ (Why are you making such a grim face?)"

"プロの選手になるのは険しい道だと思いますか？ (Do you think becoming a professional athlete is a steep road?)"

"今までで一番険しかった山はどこですか？ (Where is the steepest mountain you've ever climbed?)"

"険しい状況を乗り越えるために何をしますか？ (What do you do to overcome a difficult situation?)"

Temas para diário

今日、何か「険しい」と感じたことはありましたか？ (Was there anything you felt was 'kewashii' today?)

あなたが将来、登ってみたい険しい山はありますか？ (Is there a steep mountain you want to climb in the future?)

険しい表情をしている人を見たら、どう声をかけますか？ (If you see someone with a grim expression, what would you say?)

あなたの目標への道のりは険しいですか、それとも緩やかですか？ (Is the path to your goal steep or gentle?)

「険しい自然」という言葉から何を連想しますか？ (What do you associate with the phrase 'rugged nature'?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Usually, 'muzukashii' is better for exams. However, you can say 'goukakumade no michinori wa kewashii' (the road to passing is steep) to emphasize the long, hard process.

'Kewashii kao' is a grim, worried, or tense face. 'Kibishii kao' is a stern, disciplining face (like a teacher about to scold you).

Rarely. For harsh weather, 'kibishii' or 'hageshii' are much more common. You might use it for 'kewashii shizen' (harsh nature) in a general sense.

No. For a high or steep price, use 'takai' or 'kougaku'. 'Kewashii' is only for physical inclines or metaphorical paths.

It's 険. Left side is the 'hill' radical (阝), right side is 'all' (僉). Total 11 strokes.

Mostly negative or neutral-warning. It implies struggle and hardship, though overcoming a 'kewashii' path is seen as virtuous.

No, that sounds like 'a steep person'. Use 'kewashii kao o shita hito' (a person with a grim face).

For mountains, 'yuruyaka' (gentle). For situations, 'heitan' (flat/smooth).

Yes, to describe 'kewashii joukyou' (a severe situation) or 'kewashii michinori' (a difficult road ahead for a project).

Yes, 'kewashii koe' or 'kewashii kuchou' can mean a harsh, sharp, or stern tone of voice.

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