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危险 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
危险wēixiǎndangerHSK 4, an, rank #581, Medium
危险wēixiǎndangerousHSK 4, an, rank #581, Medium
wēixiǎn(wei1xian3) T1
  1. 1danger
  2. 2dangerous
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March 24, 2026
危险(危險)wēixiǎn(wei1xian3)

危险 (wēi xiǎn) refers to a state or condition that poses a threat to safety or well-being. It is commonly used to describe situations, environments, or actions that could lead to harm or injury. This word can be used both in serious contexts, such as describing a hazardous location, and in more casual conversations, like discussing risky choices.

Frequency#581DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, discussions about danger often emphasize collective safety and responsibility, reflecting societal values. For instance, during festivals, there are many warnings about fire hazards, highlighting the importance of community awareness.

Memory Tip

Picture a 'weighing scale' (sounds like 'wei') tipping dangerously to one side, indicating danger. The character 危 (wēi) resembles a precarious mountain peak, while 险 (xiǎn) suggests a hidden peril. Together, they create a vivid image of being on the edge of danger.

Meanings of 危险

wēixiǎn(wei1xian3)
1danger
2dangerous
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 危险

危险Simplified
危險Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#581Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 危险

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Podcast: 危险

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AI Study Notes for 危险

Quick Contrast

危险 (wēixiǎn) vs 危害 (wēihài) — use 危险 to describe a general state of danger, while 危害 specifically refers to the harm or damage caused by that danger.

Memory Mnemonic

Picture a 'weighing scale' (sounds like 'wei') tipping dangerously to one side, indicating danger. The character 危 (wēi) resembles a precarious mountain peak, while 险 (xiǎn) suggests a hidden peril. Together, they create a vivid image of being on the edge of danger.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 危险 with 安全 (ān quán), which means 'safe.' 危险 is often used in both formal and informal settings, but when discussing serious topics, opt for a more formal tone. Common collocations include '危险的情况' (dangerous situation) and '危险品' (hazardous materials).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 4 level word, 危险 is often encountered in discussions about safety and risk. Students should focus on recognizing its use in various contexts and practice forming sentences that illustrate its meaning. Connecting it with related words like 安全 (safe) and 事故 (accident) can enhance understanding.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, discussions about danger often emphasize collective safety and responsibility, reflecting societal values. For instance, during festivals, there are many warnings about fire hazards, highlighting the importance of community awareness.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 危险 with its synonyms, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '这个地方是安全' (This place is dangerous) should be corrected to '这个地方是危险' to convey the correct meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 危险

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Component Characters

危Wēidanger
6 strokes㔾
View full entry
险xiǎndanger
HSK 69 strokes阝
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Write 危险

危
险

Practice writing 危险 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 危险

危险 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Related grammar lessons4
Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

他一边开车，一边打电话，很____。

He drives while talking on the phone — very dangerous.

Example Sentences for 危险 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我已经本着良心将危险告知他们。

wǒ yǐ jīng běn zháo liáng xīn jiāng wēi xiǎn gào zhī tā mén。

I have been scrupulous about telling them the dangers.
2
目前，30%的爬行动物、鸟类和鱼类面临灭绝的危险。

mù qián，30% ，30% de pá háng dòng、 wù 、 niǎo lèi hé yú lèi miàn lín miè jué de。

30 percent of reptiles, birds, and fish are currently threatened with extinction.
3
这样的法规可以保护消费者免受有害或者危险药品的威胁。

zhè yàng de fǎ guī kě yǐ bǎo hù xiāo fèi zhě miǎn shòu yǒu hài huò zhě wēi xiǎn yào pǐn de wēi xié。

Such laws could protect the consumer from harmful or dangerous remedies.
4
非正常的出血是你的身体发出的危险信号。

fēi zhèng cháng de chū xiě shì nǐ de shēn tǐ fā chū de wēi xiǎn xìn hào。

The abnormal bleeding is your body's own red flag of danger.
5
我是献血者，我不能冒任何接触传染的危险。

wǒ shì xiàn xiě zhě， ， wǒ bù néng mào rèn hé jiē chù chuán rǎn de wēi。

I'm a blood donor; I can't risk any contagion.
6
真正的危险是该国东部地区的民众动乱。

zhēn zhèng de wēi xiǎn shì gāi guó dōng bù dì qū de mín zhòng dòng luàn。

The real danger is civil unrest in the east of the country.
7
在东柏林就餐曾经是一件危险而且沉闷无趣的事情。

zài dōng bǎi lín jiù cān zēng jīng shì yī jiàn wēi xiǎn ér qiě chén mèn wú qù de shì qíng。

Eating in East Berlin used to be a hazardous and joyless experience.
8
他星期五逃走了，说是担心自己有生命危险。

tā xīng qī wǔ táo zǒu le， ， shuō shì dān xīn zì jǐ yǒu shēng mìng wēi。

He fled on Friday, saying he feared for his life.
9
这艘船有彻底解体的危险。

zhè sōu chuán yǒu chè dǐ jiě tǐ de wēi xiǎn。

There was a danger of the ship breaking up completely.
10
4个危险的惯犯和其他6名犯人仍然在逃。

4 4 gè wēi xiǎn de guàn fàn hé qí6 tā 6 míng fàn rén réng rán。

Six prisoners are still at large along with four dangerous recidivists.

Cultural Notes for 危险

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, discussions about danger often emphasize collective safety and responsibility, reflecting societal values. For instance, during festivals, there are many warnings about fire hazards, highlighting the importance of community awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions about 危险

You can say '这个地方很危险' (This place is very dangerous) to describe a risky environment.