1.
steep; precipitous
having a sharp incline; difficult to climb or traverse
険しい山道を登る。
To climb a steep mountain path.
この崖は非常に険しい。
This cliff is extremely steep.
頂上への道は険しく危険だ。
The path to the summit is steep and dangerous.
2.
harsh; stern; severe (expression, situation)
forbidding or threatening in appearance or manner
彼は険しい表情をしていた。
He had a stern expression.
状況は険しくなってきた。
The situation has become more severe.
険しい顔で見られて緊張した。
I got nervous when they looked at me with a harsh expression.
SENSE 1 - STEEP:
- Used for terrain, paths, mountains, cliffs
- 険しい山 (steep mountain)
- 険しい道 (steep path)
SENSE 2 - HARSH/STERN:
- Used for facial expressions, situations
- 険しい表情 (stern expression)
- 険しい顔 (harsh face)
- 先行きが険しい (the outlook is grim)
RELATED WORDS:
- 急 (steep, sudden)
- 厳しい (strict, severe)
KANJI NOTE:
険しい uses the same kanji as 危険 (danger), reflecting the challenging nature of steep terrain.