We pic up and share some useful Japanese (Nihongo) phrases which you can use in your daily life in Japan.

Today’s expression is ‘やばい（yabai）’

 

When you face something which makes you surprise, how do you react? What will you say?

" Amazing! " " Incredible! " "Awesome! " etc...

 

You can express those kind of feelings with one Japanese word "やばい（yabai）".

"やばい（yabai）" is an adjective which basically has negative meaning. It can be translated as 'dangerous'. But on now days, it is used as positive meaning.

When you eat some delicious food, you can use this word. Please check the following conversation.

 

 

 

Sample conversation #1

A: これ食べた？おいしい？（kore, tabeta? oishii?）

B: うん、やばいよ！（un, yabaiyo!）

 

English translation #1

A:  Did you try this one? Is it tasty?

B: Yeah, it's amazingly tasty!

 

 

And also when you are surprised by something, you can use this.

 

Sample conversation #2

A: それ、いい時計だね！（kore, tabeta? oishii?）

B: ありがとう。70%OFFだったんだよ。（Arigatou. 70%OFF dattandayo.）

A: え！やばいね！！（E! Yabaine !!）

*ね（ne）is used when the speaker check the listener's agreement.

 

English translation #2

A: That's nice watch!

B: Thanks. This was 70% discounted.

A: Hey! That's awesome!

 

 

Please note that this phrase is really casual. Please do not use on formal scenes.

 

Use the Japanese phrase and enjoy your daily life in Japan.

See you soon.