惊险

• Pinyin: jīng xiǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 惊 = startling, alarming; 险 = 阝(hill) + 佥 — dangerous, risky

Meaning

Thrilling; dangerous; hair-raising. Exciting because of danger or near-miss situations.

Describes situations that are both dangerous and exciting, or narrowly avoided disasters. Common for movies, sports, accidents, and adventures. Combines the elements of danger (险) with the excitement of being startled (惊).

Examples

1. 这部电影有很多惊险刺激的追车场面。 This movie has many thrilling car chase scenes.
2. 那场比赛打得非常惊险，最后时刻才决出胜负。 That game was extremely nail-biting, with the winner only decided at the last moment.
3. 他刚才差点被车撞到，真是惊险的一幕。 He almost got hit by a car just now — what a close call.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, sports, accidents, adventures

Tone: exciting

Do Say

• 惊险刺激。(Thrilling and exciting.)
• 好惊险！(How close!/That was scary!)

Don't Say

• 惊险的幸福 (Don't use 惊险 for purely positive experiences without danger — it requires an element of risk or near-miss)

Origin & History

Composed of 惊 (startling; alarming) + 险 (dangerous; risky). Together describing something that is dangerously exciting.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal