Kiki Ippatsu (危機一髪 - Having a Close Shave)

Kiki Ippatsu

If you want to describe an extremely dangerous situation, you can use 'kiki ippatsu' (危機一髪) in Japanese.

'Ki' (危) means "danger," 'ki' (機) means "moment" or "chance," 'i/ichi' (一) means "one," and 'patsu/hatsu' (髪) means "hair."

That is to say, 'kiki ippatsu' implies that a danger moment is approaching to you, and the distance is as long as one hair.

This idiom is often used to describe the past event, for example, 'kiki ippatsu de tasukatta' (危機一髪で助かった - I had a close shave).

危機一髪

一つ間違えば非常に危ない状況のことを、「危機一髪」と言います。

「危」は "danger"、「機」は "moment/chance"、「一」は "one"、「髪」は "hair" を意味します。

すなわち「危機一髪」は、「髪の毛一本ほどのところに危険が迫っている」ということを示唆しています。

「危機一髪で助かった」のように、過去のことに対して使うことが多いです。

• If you want to describe an extremely dangerous situation, you can use 'kiki ippatsu' (危機一髪) in Japanese.
• This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!

• 'Ki' (危) means "danger," 'ki' (機) means "moment" or "chance," 'i/ichi' (一) means "one," and 'patsu/hatsu' (髪) means "hair."
• This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!

• That is to say, 'kiki ippatsu' implies that a danger moment is approaching to you, and the distance is as long as one hair.
• That is to say, 'kiki ippatsu' implies that a dangerous moment is approaching to you, and the distance is as long as one hair.

• This idiom is often used to describe the past event, for example, 'kiki ippatsu de tasukatta' (危機一髪で助かった - I had a close shave).
• This idiom is often used to describe a past event, for example, 'kiki ippatsu de tasukatta' (危機一髪で助かった - I had a close shave).

This is really interesting! I have a question about "危機一髪" now!
Can you use it only in the context of shaving? Or can you use it as a metaphor, too? For example, if you are in a hurry to get on the train, can you say 危機一髪で乗れた? Or is this only for when having a shave?
Fantastic writing! I especially like this part "the distance is as long as one hair."