Translation guide
Describes a location or surface that has a sharp incline, making it difficult to climb or traverse. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with adjectives like 急な (kyū na) or 険しい (kewashii), or nouns like 急斜面 (kyūshamen).
Describe a surface, hill, road, or path that rises or falls sharply.
The most common and neutral adjective for 'steep'. Used for slopes, stairs, roads, etc. It is a na-adjective.
この坂は急ですね。
This hill is steep, isn't it?
急な階段を上るのは大変だ。
Climbing steep stairs is tough.
Describe a rapid rise in numbers, prices, or intensity.
Also used metaphorically for sudden or sharp changes, such as a steep increase in prices or a steep learning curve.
物価の急な上昇が問題になっている。
The steep rise in prices is becoming a problem.
A noun meaning 'steep slope'. Often used in geographical or hiking contexts.
その山は急斜面が多い。
That mountain has many steep slopes.
An i-adjective meaning 'steep' but with a nuance of being rugged, precipitous, or dangerous. Often used for mountains, cliffs, or paths.
険しい山道を歩いた。
We walked along a steep mountain path.
Means 'sheer' or 'precipitous', describing a cliff or slope that is almost vertical. Used in descriptive or literary contexts.
切り立った崖の上に立っていた。
We stood on top of a sheer cliff.
A na-adjective meaning 'rapid' or 'drastic', often used for steep changes in graphs, trends, or conditions.
気温の急激な変化に注意してください。
Please be careful of the steep change in temperature.