崖(がけ)

崖(がけ) refers to a steep, often vertical rock face — a cliff or precipice. It can describe coastal cliffs, mountain faces, or any steep drop-off.

Common expressions

• 崖(がけ)っぷち: cliff edge, brink
• 崖崩(がけくず)れ: cliff collapse, landslide
• 崖(がけ)の上(うえ): top of a cliff
• 崖(がけ)から落(お)ちる: to fall from a cliff

Usage

崖(がけ)っぷち is very commonly used figuratively to mean 'on the brink' or 'in a desperate situation': 崖(がけ)っぷちに立(た)たされる (to be driven to the edge). Often seen in sports and business contexts.

Similar words

• 断崖(だんがい): precipice, sheer cliff (more literary)
• 絶壁(ぜっぺき): sheer cliff, precipice (emphasizes vertical drop)