adjective / verb HSK 4
dangerous · in danger · to endanger · precarious
Meaning
危 means dangerous or in danger, describing situations or conditions that pose risk or threat. It commonly appears in compound words related to danger, crisis, and safety. As a verb, it means to endanger or put at risk.
Usage
危 is typically used in formal or written contexts and often appears in compound words rather than alone. Common compounds include 危险 (wēixiǎn - dangerous), 危机 (wēijī - crisis), and 危害 (wēihài - to harm). When used alone, it tends to appear in literary or classical expressions.
Examples
- 01病人已经脱离危险了。.The patient is out of danger now.
- 02这座桥年久失修，很危险。, .This bridge is in disrepair and very dangerous.
Common collocations
- 危险性dangerousness
- 转危为安to turn danger into safety
- 病危critically ill
- 危在旦夕in imminent danger
Antonyms
Origin
The character 危 depicts a person kneeling on the edge of a cliff, representing a dangerous or precarious position. The top component shows a person, while the bottom suggests an unstable foundation.