The phrase 岌岌可危 (jíjíkěwēi) describes a precarious or unstable situation, often implying that something is on the verge of collapse or disaster. It is commonly used in contexts such as business, politics, or personal circumstances where safety or success is threatened.
HSK 6, 32 strokes, Hard
jíjíkěwēi(ji2ji2ke3wei1) T2
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May 27, 2026
岌岌可危jíjíkěwēi(ji2ji2ke3wei1)
The phrase 岌岌可危 (jíjíkěwēi) describes a precarious or unstable situation, often implying that something is on the verge of collapse or disaster. It is commonly used in contexts such as business, politics, or personal circumstances where safety or success is threatened.
Strokes32Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The phrase reflects a common concern in Chinese society about stability, whether in personal lives or national affairs, emphasizing the value placed on security and caution.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fragile tower (岌岌) made of stacked stones that is wobbling and about to fall, representing the unstable state (可危) of the situation. The image of stones teetering creates a visual connection to the meaning of instability and danger.
About 岌岌可危
岌岌可危Simplified
32Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 岌岌可危
Podcast: 岌岌可危
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AI Study Notes for 岌岌可危
Quick Contrast
危在旦夕 (wēizàidànxī) - use 岌岌可危 for ongoing instability, while 危在旦夕 emphasizes imminent danger.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fragile tower (岌岌) made of stacked stones that is wobbling and about to fall, representing the unstable state (可危) of the situation. The image of stones teetering creates a visual connection to the meaning of instability and danger.
Usage Notes
Learners should be cautious not to confuse this phrase with other expressions of danger or risk. It is often used in formal contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Common collocations include '经济岌岌可危' (the economy is precarious) or '局势岌岌可危' (the situation is unstable).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on recognizing idiomatic phrases like 岌岌可危 in reading and listening. Understanding this phrase can deepen their comprehension of discussions about crises or urgent situations, connecting it to other vocabulary related to safety and security.
Cultural Note
The phrase reflects a common concern in Chinese society about stability, whether in personal lives or national affairs, emphasizing the value placed on security and caution.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misinterpret this phrase as a general term for 'danger' without recognizing its specific nuance of instability. For example, saying '这件事情很危险' (this matter is very dangerous) instead of using 岌岌可危 misses the connotation of being on the verge of collapse.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 岌岌可危
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Cultural Notes for 岌岌可危
🏮Cultural insight
The phrase reflects a common concern in Chinese society about stability, whether in personal lives or national affairs, emphasizing the value placed on security and caution.
Frequently Asked Questions about 岌岌可危
While it can be used in everyday conversation, it is more appropriate for formal discussions or written contexts.
No, 岌岌可危 can refer to various types of instability, including emotional, economic, or political situations.
It translates literally to 'teetering and about to fall,' emphasizing a sense of imminent danger.
