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March 24, 2026
险(險)xiǎn(xian3)
险 (xiǎn) refers to danger or something that is dangerous. It can describe a perilous situation, a rugged landscape, or a narrow pass that poses risks. This character is often used in contexts relating to safety, adventure, or challenging environments.
Strokes9Radical阝Frequency#3892DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of danger often relates to nature, as many traditional stories involve characters facing perilous situations in rugged landscapes. This reflects the historical significance of navigating dangerous terrains in ancient times.
Memory Tip
Imagine a narrow mountain pass that is steep and treacherous, representing danger. The character 险 has the radical '险' which resembles a mountain (山) over a person (人) struggling to pass through. This imagery can help you remember that this character denotes danger in challenging terrains.
Meanings of 险
xiǎn(xian3)
1danger
2dangerous
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 险
险Simplified
險Traditional
9Strokes
阝Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#3892Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 险
Podcast: 险
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AI Study Notes for 险
Quick Contrast
险 (xiǎn) vs 危 (wēi) — use 险 for describing risky situations or landscapes, while 危 emphasizes imminent danger or threats.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a narrow mountain pass that is steep and treacherous, representing danger. The character 险 has the radical '险' which resembles a mountain (山) over a person (人) struggling to pass through. This imagery can help you remember that this character denotes danger in challenging terrains.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 险 with similar characters like 难 (nán), which means difficult rather than dangerous. This character is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as in discussions about safety regulations or geographical features. Pay attention to the tone; mispronouncing it with a different tone can change its meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 险 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other HSK Level 4 words related to safety and risk, such as 危险 (wēixiǎn), meaning 'dangerous'. Focus on understanding how 险 fits into phrases that describe various risks in daily life.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of danger often relates to nature, as many traditional stories involve characters facing perilous situations in rugged landscapes. This reflects the historical significance of navigating dangerous terrains in ancient times.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 险 by trying to apply it in casual contexts where simpler terms would suffice. For example, saying '这道菜很险' (This dish is very dangerous) is incorrect; it should be '这道菜很辣' (This dish is very spicy).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 险
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Grammar Patterns of 险
险 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
bù xìng de shì， ， róng yì gǎn mào shì zhè gè háng yè de zhí yè xìng fēng。
Catching colds is unfortunately an occupational hazard in this profession.
9
真正的危险是该国东部地区的民众动乱。
zhēn zhèng de wēi xiǎn shì gāi guó dōng bù dì qū de mín zhòng dòng luàn。
The real danger is civil unrest in the east of the country.
10
他是管理劳埃德保险公司的执行委员会成员。
tā shì guǎn lǐ láo āi dé bǎo xiǎn gōng sī de zhí háng wěi yuán huì chéng yuán。
He sits on the executive committee that manages Lloyds.
Cultural Notes for 险
💡Did you know?
The character '险' is often used in expressions related to adventure and risk, such as '险峰' (dangerous peak), highlighting China's rich tradition of mountain climbing and exploration.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of danger often relates to nature, as many traditional stories involve characters facing perilous situations in rugged landscapes. This reflects the historical significance of navigating dangerous terrains in ancient times.
Word Family of 险
Words Containing This Character20
危险wēixiǎndanger危險
风险fēngxiǎnrisk風險
保险bǎoxiǎninsurance保險
冒险màoxiǎnto take risks冒險
险xiǎndanger險
保险箱a safe保險箱
探险tànxiǎnto explore探險
抢险emergency (measures)搶險
惊险jīngxiǎnthrilling驚險
保险柜a safe保險櫃
险境danger zone險境
险些narrowly險些
阴险treacherous陰險
保险费insurance fee保險費
寿险life insurance壽險
人寿保险life insurance人壽保險
险情peril險情
险恶dangerous險惡
历险to experience adventures歷險
脱险to rescue脫險
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 危险 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 险
险 (xiǎn) appears in various idiomatic expressions, such as '险象环生' (xiǎn xiàng huán shēng), meaning 'danger lurks everywhere.' Understanding these phrases can enhance your comprehension of Chinese language and culture.
Synonyms for 险 (xiǎn) include 危险 (wēi xiǎn), which also means 'danger' or 'hazard,' and 險惡 (xiǎn è), meaning 'dangerous and evil.' These words can be used interchangeably depending on the context.
You can use 险 (xiǎn) in sentences like '这条路很险' (zhè tiáo lù hěn xiǎn), which means 'This road is very dangerous.' It can also be used in phrases such as '险境' (xiǎn jìng), meaning 'dangerous situation.'
险 (xiǎn) means 'danger' or 'dangerous' in Chinese. It can also refer to something being rugged or perilous. This character is often used in contexts discussing risks or hazardous situations.
The correct pronunciation is xiǎn, with a falling tone.
Yes, but it's more common in formal contexts or when discussing specific risks.
Yes, you can use 危险 (wēixiǎn) which means 'dangerous' and includes 险 in its meaning.
