Meaning and Usage
The adjective 険しい (けわしい) primarily describes something physically steep or rugged, such as a mountain or path. It conveys a sense of difficulty or danger in the terrain. Beyond physical descriptions, it can also describe a person's facial expression or atmosphere as stern, harsh, or forbidding.
Common Contexts
- Physical geography: steep mountains, cliffs, or roads.
- Facial expressions: a stern or intimidating look.
- Situations: difficult or challenging circumstances.
Collocations and Patterns
- 険しい山道 (けわしいやまみち): steep mountain path.
- 険しい顔つき (けわしいかおつき): stern facial expression.
- 険しい表情 (けわしいひょうじょう): harsh or forbidding look.
- 険しい状況 (けわしいじょうきょう): difficult or severe situation.
Register and Nuance
This word is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. When describing people’s expressions, it often implies a serious or unwelcoming mood. When describing terrain or situations, it emphasizes difficulty or danger.
Common Learner Notes
Learners sometimes confuse 険しい with 急な (steep, sudden) or 厳しい (strict, severe). 険しい focuses on physical steepness or a harsh, forbidding quality, while 厳しい often relates to strictness or severity in rules or conditions. Pay attention to context to choose the right word.