Translation guide
Describes a surface that rises or falls sharply. In Japanese, the most common word is 急な坂 (kyuu na saka), but there are several other expressions depending on context and nuance.
To describe a slope that is steep in a general sense, such as a hill, road, or path.
The most common and neutral way to say 'steep slope'. 急 (kyuu) means 'steep' or 'sudden', and 坂 (saka) means 'slope' or 'hill'. Can be used for roads, paths, hills, etc.
この道は急な坂が多い。
This road has many steep slopes.
It's tough to go up a steep slope by bicycle.
A compound noun meaning 'steep slope'. Slightly more formal or written than 急な坂. Often used in signs or descriptions.
この先急坂あり。
Steep slope ahead.
Implies a steep and rugged slope, often with a sense of danger or difficulty. 険しい (kewashii) means 'steep' or 'precipitous', but also 'rugged' or 'stern'.
山道は険しい坂が続く。
The mountain path continues with steep, rugged slopes.
A more technical way to say 'steep slope', emphasizing the gradient. 勾配 (koubai) means 'gradient' or 'slope'. Used in engineering or formal descriptions.
この坂は勾配が急で、車では登れない。
This slope has a steep gradient and cannot be climbed by car.
To describe a slope that is extremely steep, like a cliff or precipice.
Means 'sheer cliff' or 'precipice'. Used for vertical or near-vertical rock faces. Not typically used for roads.
その山は絶壁に囲まれている。
The mountain is surrounded by sheer cliffs.
Describes a steep, sheer cliff. 切り立った (kiritatta) means 'sheer' or 'precipitous', and 崖 (gake) means 'cliff'.
海岸には切り立った崖が続いている。
Sheer cliffs line the coast.
A formal, technical term for a steep slope or incline. 急峻 (kyuushun) means 'steep' and 斜面 (shamen) means 'slope' or 'incline'. Often used in geography or engineering.
この地域は急峻な斜面が多い。
This area has many steep slopes.
To describe a steep slope encountered while hiking or climbing.
A term used in hiking and mountaineering to describe a steep ascent. Literally 'steep climb'.
このルートは最初から急登が続く。
This route has a steep climb right from the start.
A colloquial way to say the slope is steep or tough. 傾斜 (keisha) means 'incline' or 'slope', and きつい (kitsui) means 'tough' or 'steep'.
この山は傾斜がきつくて、登るのに時間がかかる。
This mountain has a steep slope, so it takes time to climb.
To refer to a steep slope as a traffic hazard or road feature.
Used on road signs to indicate a steep uphill gradient. 上り (nobori) means 'ascent' and 急勾配 (kyuukoubai) means 'steep gradient'.
前方に上り急勾配の標識がある。
There is a steep uphill sign ahead.
Used on road signs to indicate a steep downhill gradient. 下り (kudari) means 'descent'.
下り急勾配ではエンジンブレーキを使いましょう。
Use engine braking on steep downhill slopes.
急な坂 simply means the slope is steep. 険しい坂 adds a nuance of ruggedness, danger, or difficulty beyond just the angle. Use 険しい for mountain paths or cliffs, and 急な for everyday hills and roads.
この坂は急だけど、険しくはない。
This slope is steep, but not rugged.
絶壁 means a sheer cliff or precipice. It is not used for steep roads or hills. For a very steep road, use 急勾配 or 急な坂.
この道は絶壁だ。
This road is a sheer cliff. (unnatural)