Meaning and Usage
"危うい" (あやうい) is an adjective used to describe situations, conditions, or things that are dangerous, risky, or uncertain. It often implies that something is on the verge of failure, harm, or collapse.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to talk about physical danger (like a dangerous bridge), critical health conditions, or uncertain outcomes (such as a plan or decision that might fail).
Collocations and Patterns
- 危うい状態 (あやういじょうたい): a critical or dangerous condition, often used in medical or emergency contexts.
- 危うい橋 (あやういはし): a dangerous or unstable bridge.
- 危ういところで (あやういところで): at a dangerous moment, often used to describe narrowly avoiding danger.
Register and Nuance
The word is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. It conveys a sense of caution or warning without being overly dramatic.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "危うい" with "危ない" (あぶない), which also means dangerous. "危うい" often emphasizes a precarious or borderline state, while "危ない" is more general for danger. Use "危うい" when you want to highlight that something is almost failing or very risky.