Understanding "危险" - Chinese Word Explanation

Understanding "危险" - Chinese Word Explanation
Reader Guide

What this article covers

Use this guide to get the core meaning of the word before you read the full explanation and examples.

1 1. Basic Information 2 2. In-depth Explanation 3 3. Example Sentences 4 Cultural Notes 5 Conclusion

1. Basic Information

  • Word: 危险
  • Pinyin: wēi xiǎn
  • Literal Meaning: "Perilous danger" (危 = danger, 险 = risk)
  • Primary Meaning: "Dangerous" or "hazardous"; refers to situations, objects, or actions that could cause harm or risk.

2. In-depth Explanation

  • Context and Usage:
  • "危险" is commonly used to describe anything that poses a threat to safety, such as slippery roads, high-voltage areas, or reckless behavior.
  • It can function as an adjective (e.g., "危险的地方" - "a dangerous place") or a noun (e.g., "有危险" - "there is danger").
  • In warnings, it often appears on signs (e.g., "危险!禁止入内" - "Danger! No entry").

  • Character Breakdown:

  • 危 (wēi): Means "danger," "peril," or "precarious."
  • 险 (xiǎn): Means "risk," "dangerous," or "narrow pass" (historically used for treacherous terrain).
    Together, they emphasize a high level of threat.

3. Example Sentences

  1. Chinese: 开车时玩手机很危险。
    Pinyin: Kāi chē shí wán shǒujī hěn wēixiǎn.
    English: Playing with your phone while driving is very dangerous.

  2. Chinese: 这个地方有危险,快离开!
    Pinyin: Zhège dìfāng yǒu wēixiǎn, kuài líkāi!
    English: This place is dangerous, leave quickly!

  3. Chinese: 探险家经常面对危险。
    Pinyin: Tànxiǎnjiā jīngcháng miànduì wēixiǎn.
    English: Explorers often face danger.

Cultural Notes

  • In China, "危险" is frequently seen on construction sites, electrical equipment, and natural hazard zones (e.g., cliffs, flood areas).
  • The word reflects a cultural emphasis on collective safety, as public warnings often use "危险" to urge caution.

Conclusion

"危险" (wēi xiǎn) is a vital word for describing danger or risky situations. Remember it by breaking it down: 危 (danger) + 险 (risk) = "dangerous." Use it to warn others or identify hazards in daily life!

Sources and Further Reading

Dictionary links are provided for independent reference. Example sentences and learning notes on this page are educational explanations rather than dictionary quotations.

Editorial note: This page was last updated on 九月 16, 2026. Hanzi Explorer publishes English-language guides to Chinese vocabulary, reading, and culture. Learn more about the site. Review the editorial policy.
Share this post:

Comments (0)

Please log in to post a comment. Don't have an account? Register now

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!