危うい
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Base i-adjective form ending in 『い』. Describes situations that are risky, unstable, or on the verge of failure.
Theme
User and their coworker Ken are hiking on a mountain trail during a weekend trip. They come across a steep, rocky section and discuss the safety of continuing.
危うい
あやうい
dangerous / critical
Core Language Building BlocksCore Adjectives
Memory Hook
Imagine a dangerous cliff edge that makes you say 'Ah, ooh!' in fear — 『危うい』 (ayaui) sounds like 'ah-ya-oo-ee'. 'Ah-ya-oo-ee, that's dangerous!'
Cultural Note
『危うい』 (ayaui) is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe precarious situations, such as in news reports or safety warnings. It conveys a sense of imminent danger or critical condition.
Forms
Base: 危ういBase i-adjective form ending in 『い』. Describes situations that are risky, unstable, or on the verge of failure.
Negative: 危うくないDrop 『い』 → add 『くない』 (kunai, negative) → 『危うくない』 (ayaukunai).
Past: 危うかったDrop 『い』 → add 『かった』 (katta, past) → 『危うかった』 (ayaukatta).
Adverbial: 危うくDrop 『い』 → add 『く』 (ku, adverbial) → 『危うく』 (ayauku).
Comparative: より危ういComparative formed with modifier 『より』 (yori, 'more than') + base adjective.
Superlative: 一番危ういSuperlative formed with 『一番』 (ichiban, 'number one / Most') + adjective.