险 (xiǎn) - dangerous, perilous, risk & a strategic pass

险Tone 3

xiǎn ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

险 · xiǎn

dangerous, perilous, risk;

a strategic pass;

treacherous, sinister

dangerous, perilous, riska strategic passtreacherous, sinister

Usage highlights

DangerousRiskInsuranceAdventureDangerous terrainStrategic pass

Synonyms

  • 危— dangerous, perilous
  • 恶— evil, wicked (in the sense of treacherous)

Antonyms

  • 安— safe, secure
  • 夷— smooth, safe (as in 化险为夷)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The mountain road is very dangerous (山路很险).
  • He took a huge risk (他冒了很大的险).
  • The insurance company assessed the risk (保险公司评估了风险).
  • This is a treacherous plan (这是个阴险的计划).

Collocations

  • Dangerous(危险)
  • Risk(风险)
  • Insurance(保险)
  • Adventure(冒险)
  • Dangerous terrain(险地)
  • Strategic pass(险关)

Idioms

  • Out of danger(化险为夷)
  • Narrowly escape death(险遭不测)
  • Take a risk(铤而走险)
  • A perilous situation(千难万险)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, '险' often referred to strategically important and difficult-to-access mountain passes, crucial for defense.
  • The character embodies a traditional awareness of danger and the importance of caution and preparedness.
  • It is frequently used in the context of military strategy, geography, and modern risk management.

FAQ