dangerous · steep

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is けん, and the kun reading is けわしい. It has 11 strokes. It appears in words for rugged terrain and danger.
• Basic usage: 険しい is read けわしい and 危険 is read きけん.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 険しい / 危険
  • 険しい means rugged or steep and is read けわしい. It describes a mountain path or slope as rugged and steep.
  • 山頂へ続く道は狭くて険しい。 means “The path to the summit is narrow and rugged.”
  • 危険 means danger or risk and is read きけん. It refers to danger or risk in places such as a bridge or dark road.
  • 暗い道を一人で歩くのは危険です。 means “Walking alone on a dark road is dangerous.”