危機

きき

crisis

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"危機" (きき) means "crisis" or a dangerous, critical situation. It is often used in formal or serious contexts such as economic, environmental, or personal crises.

Common Collocations

  • 経済危機 (けいざいきき): economic crisis
  • 危機的状況 (ききてきじょうきょう): critical or crisis situation
  • 危機管理 (ききかんり): crisis management

Usage Notes

When using "危機," speakers imply a serious threat or turning point that requires urgent attention or action. It is more formal and weighty than words like "問題" (problem).

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "危機" with "危険" (danger). "危機" refers to a critical moment or crisis, while "危険" refers to danger or risk itself. Use "危機" when emphasizing a critical situation that could lead to serious consequences.

Example Sentences

けいざいききがくにぜんたいにおおきなえいきょうをあたえた。

The economic crisis had a major impact on the entire country.

かれはききてきなじょうきょうでもれいせいにたいしょした。

He dealt calmly even in a critical crisis situation.

かんきょうはかいはちきゅうきぼのききをひきおこしている。

Environmental destruction is causing a global-scale crisis.