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March 24, 2026
危险(危險)wēixiǎn(wei1xian3)
危险 (wēi xiǎn) refers to a state or condition that poses a threat to safety or well-being. It is commonly used to describe situations, environments, or actions that could lead to harm or injury. This word can be used both in serious contexts, such as describing a hazardous location, and in more casual conversations, like discussing risky choices.
Strokes15Frequency#581DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions about danger often emphasize collective safety and responsibility, reflecting societal values. For instance, during festivals, there are many warnings about fire hazards, highlighting the importance of community awareness.
Memory Tip
Picture a 'weighing scale' (sounds like 'wei') tipping dangerously to one side, indicating danger. The character 危 (wēi) resembles a precarious mountain peak, while 险 (xiǎn) suggests a hidden peril. Together, they create a vivid image of being on the edge of danger.
Meanings of 危险
wēixiǎn(wei1xian3)
1danger
2dangerous
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About 危险
危险Simplified
危險Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#581Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 危险
Podcast: 危险
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AI Study Notes for 危险
Quick Contrast
危险 (wēixiǎn) vs 危害 (wēihài) — use 危险 to describe a general state of danger, while 危害 specifically refers to the harm or damage caused by that danger.
Memory Mnemonic
Picture a 'weighing scale' (sounds like 'wei') tipping dangerously to one side, indicating danger. The character 危 (wēi) resembles a precarious mountain peak, while 险 (xiǎn) suggests a hidden peril. Together, they create a vivid image of being on the edge of danger.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 危险 with 安全 (ān quán), which means 'safe.' 危险 is often used in both formal and informal settings, but when discussing serious topics, opt for a more formal tone. Common collocations include '危险的情况' (dangerous situation) and '危险品' (hazardous materials).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 level word, 危险 is often encountered in discussions about safety and risk. Students should focus on recognizing its use in various contexts and practice forming sentences that illustrate its meaning. Connecting it with related words like 安全 (safe) and 事故 (accident) can enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions about danger often emphasize collective safety and responsibility, reflecting societal values. For instance, during festivals, there are many warnings about fire hazards, highlighting the importance of community awareness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 危险 with its synonyms, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '这个地方是安全' (This place is dangerous) should be corrected to '这个地方是危险' to convey the correct meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 危险
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Grammar Patterns of 危险
危险 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Before the typhoon arrived, the government issued a danger warning, reminding citizens to take precautionary measures.
13
这条山路因其陡峭和滑溜而被认为是极其危险的。
Zhè tiáo shānlù yīn qí dǒuxiào hé huá liū ér bèi rènwéi shì jíqí wēixiǎn de.
This mountain path is considered extremely dangerous due to its steepness and slipperiness.
andangerous1
14
晚上开车没有开灯是很危险的。
Wǎnshang kāichē méiyǒu kāi dēng shì hěn wēixiǎn de.
Driving at night without turning on the lights is very dangerous.
Cultural Notes for 危险
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussions about danger often emphasize collective safety and responsibility, reflecting societal values. For instance, during festivals, there are many warnings about fire hazards, highlighting the importance of community awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions about 危险
You can say '这个地方很危险' (This place is very dangerous) to describe a risky environment.
Not necessarily; it can also be used informally to describe risky behaviors or decisions.
The opposite is 安全 (ān quán), meaning safe.
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