险

• Pinyin: xiǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 险 = 阝(hill) + 佥 (phonetic, meaning all). The hill radical suggests the original meaning of dangerous mountain terrain

Meaning

Dangerous; risky; steep; narrow. Describes situations, terrain, or circumstances that are hazardous.

Can describe physical danger (险峻 - steep and dangerous) or abstract risk (风险 - risk). Also a bound morpheme in many words: 保险 (insurance), 冒险 (adventure), 危险 (danger). As a noun, refers to dangerous terrain or insurance.

Examples

1. 这条山路又窄又险，开车一定要小心。 This mountain road is narrow and dangerous; you must be careful when driving.
2. 他差点掉下悬崖，真是好险啊！ He almost fell off the cliff; that was a close call!
3. 创业虽然有风险，但也可能获得丰厚的回报。 Although starting a business involves risk, it may also bring substantial rewards.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, warning, everyday, business

Tone: cautionary

Do Say

• 好险！差点出事。(That was close! Almost had an accident.)
• 这个计划太险了。(This plan is too risky.)

Don't Say

• 这道菜很险 — 食物不能用'险'形容，应该说'辣'、'难吃'等

Origin & History

Composed of 阝(hill/mound radical) + 佥 (all, together). Originally referred to difficult mountain terrain, extended to all types of danger.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal