危なかった
abunakatta
In Japanese, "that was close" is expressed as 危なかった (abunakatta).
This phrase is used as an exclamation of relief after narrowly avoiding an accident, a mistake or a social blunder.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, it translates to "was dangerous".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 危なかった is the plain/informal form and is commonly used when talking to oneself or friends. Adding です to the end makes the phrase polite (危なかったです), suitable for use with superiors or in more formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 危ない is used to describe a current state of danger, whereas 危なかった is used to describe a situation that has just passed.
How do you pronounce it?
abunakatta
Did you know?
- While 危なかった means 'that was close' regarding danger, the phrase 惜しい is used when a result was 'close' but disappointing, such as nearly winning a game.
- In Japanese, the word 危ない can be shouted as a warning to mean 'Watch out!' or 'Look out!' when someone is in immediate danger.
- The word 危ない can also be used to describe a person's unstable personality or a risky social situation, rather than just physical peril.
Examples in context
- 危なかった。That was close.This example shows the phrase used on its own.Tatoeba #10465216 by small_snow, translation #1386862 by Spamster
- 危なかった。もう少しで、先生にノート写してるの見つかるとこだったよ。机の下に隠しといてよかった。That was close. The teacher almost caught me copying from my notes. Good thing I hid them under the table.This example uses 危なかった to describe a situation where someone almost got caught by a teacher.Tatoeba #10465220 by small_snow, translation #9947592 by DJ_Saidez
Example conversation
Himari and Yota almost miss their train.
- 陽葵 Himariあぶない！急いで走って！Abunai! Isoide hashitte!Watch out! Run fast!
- 陽太 Yota間に合った！危なかったね。Maniatta! Abunakata ne.We made it! That was close.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね。心臓がドキドキしてるよ。Hontō da ne. Shinzō ga dokidoki shiteru yo.You're right. My heart is racing.
- 陽太 Yota次はもっと早く駅に来よう。Tsugi wa motto hayaku eki ni koyō.Let's get to the station earlier next time.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
