Translation guide
The English word "precipitous" has two main meanings: (1) very steep, like a cliff, and (2) sudden and dramatic, often referring to a change or decline. This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Describing a very steep physical incline, such as a cliff, mountain, or drop-off.
The most common and natural word for a steep, rugged, or precipitous terrain. Often used for mountains, cliffs, and paths.
その山は険しい崖に囲まれている。
The mountain is surrounded by precipitous cliffs.
険しい山道を登るのは大変だ。
Climbing a precipitous mountain path is tough.
Literally 'cut and standing', used for sheer, vertical cliffs or walls. Emphasizes the abruptness of the drop.
海岸には切り立った崖が続いている。
Precipitous cliffs line the coast.
A formal, somewhat technical term for steepness, often used in geography or written descriptions.
この地域は急峻な地形で知られている。
This region is known for its precipitous terrain.
Describing a rapid, sharp, and often alarming change in a situation, such as a drop in prices, a rise in crime, or a decline in health.
The standard word for a sudden and drastic change. Works for both positive and negative changes, but often implies a steep curve.
株価の急激な下落が市場を震撼させた。
The precipitous drop in stock prices shocked the market.
彼の健康状態は急激に悪化した。
His health took a precipitous turn for the worse.
A more general word for 'sudden' or 'abrupt'. When combined with words like 低下 (drop) or 変化 (change), it conveys a precipitous nature. Slightly less intense than 急激な.
気温の急な低下に備えてください。
Please prepare for a precipitous drop in temperature.
Literally 'sudden descent', used for a precipitous drop in altitude, prices, popularity, etc. Often used in news headlines.
A sudden and drastic change, upheaval. Stronger than 急激な, often implying a complete transformation.
Describing an action or decision made too quickly and without enough thought, often with negative consequences. This is a less common but important nuance of 'precipitous'.
Means rash, thoughtless, or imprudent. Fits when 'precipitous' describes a hasty decision or action.
彼の軽率な判断が会社に大きな損害を与えた。
His precipitous decision caused great damage to the company.
Means premature or hasty. Often used in the phrase 早まった行動 (hasty action).
早まった行動は避けるべきだ。
You should avoid precipitous actions.
Means impatient or overhasty. Slightly formal, often used for decisions or conclusions.
性急な結論を出すのは危険だ。
It is dangerous to jump to a precipitous conclusion.
While 急な (kyuu na) can mean 'steep' in some contexts (e.g., 急な坂道, a steep slope), it is less common and less vivid than 険しい for precipitous cliffs or mountains. For dramatic natural steepness, prefer 険しい or 切り立った.
急激な (kyuugeki na) emphasizes the sharpness and magnitude of a change, while 急な (kyuu na) simply means 'sudden'. For a truly precipitous drop or rise, 急激な is more accurate and impactful.
道が険しくなり、引き返さざるを得なかった。
The path became precipitous, and we had to turn back.
鳥の個体数が急激に減少した。
There was a precipitous decline in the bird population.
飛行機が急降下した。
The plane went into a precipitous dive.
支持率の急降下に政権は危機感を強めている。
The administration is increasingly alarmed by the precipitous drop in approval ratings.
The opposite of 急降下, meaning a precipitous rise or surge. Used for prices, numbers, etc.
需要の急上昇に対応できない。
We cannot keep up with the precipitous rise in demand.
政情の激変により、計画は頓挫した。
The plan fell through due to a precipitous change in the political situation.