険しい

けわしい · kewashii · JLPT N2 · i-adj

steep

🏔 険 = steep cliff/danger; sounds like key-wash-ee: a rugged, steep mountain

険 is the kanji for danger and steep terrain, so 険しい describes rugged, severe conditions. Its hard-edged sound fits a harsh, steep path.

More Japanese words · How Japanese works