致命的
chimeiteki
The Japanese word for deadly is 致命的 (chimeiteki).
致命的 (chimeiteki) means lethal or fatal. While it can refer to physical death, it is very commonly used metaphorically to describe a "fatal mistake" or a "critical error" in contexts like business, sports or games.
Meaning: lethal (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
When modifying a noun directly, the suffix 的 becomes 的な (chimeiteki na). For example, the form 致命的な is used to express that something is deadly or lethal.
How do you pronounce it?
chimeiteki
Did you know?
- In gaming culture, a 'deadly' trap or move might be called 即死 (sokushi), which literally translates to 'instant death'.
- While 致命的 describes a fatal error, a person who is 'deadly' or 'lethal' in a skill, like a swordsman, would more likely be called 達人 (tatsujin) or described as having 'deadly' precision.
- The character 命 in 致命 is also the same character used in the word for 'command' or 'order' in certain contexts.
Examples in context
- その毒薬は非常に危険です。That poison is extremely dangerous.
- 彼女は致命的な傷を負っています。She has suffered a deadly wound.
- そのケガはやばかったな。That injury was serious.
- それは致命的なミスでした。Sore wa chimeiteki na misu deshita.That was a fatal mistake.
- 致命的なダメージを負う。Chimeiteki na dameji o ou.To suffer a fatal blow.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a mistake made during a project.
- 結衣 Yui今回のミスは致命的だよ。Konkai no misu wa chimeiteki da yo.This mistake is fatal.
- 健太 Kenta本当に、取り返しのつかないミスだ。Hontō ni, torikaeshi no tsukanai misu da.It really is an irreversible mistake.
- 結衣 Yui彼はとても落ち込んでいるよ。Kare wa totemo ochikonde iru yo.He is very depressed.
- 健太 Kenta仕方ないね。Shikata nai ne.It can't be helped.
