A versatile slang term originally indicating danger or risk, now widely used to express that something is terrible, amazing, or simply extreme in degree depending on context.
Describes a situation, place, or action that involves danger, risk, or the threat of harm.
Examples
この場所はやばいから、近づかないで。
This place is dangerous, so don't come close.
あの男はやばい雰囲気を出している。
That man gives off a dangerous vibe.
今の状況はかなりやばい。
The current situation is quite risky.
やばい仕事をしているらしい。
He seems to be doing dangerous work.
それはやばい賭けだ。
That is a risky bet.
ここは夜一人で歩くとやばい。
It is dangerous to walk here alone at night.
やばい橋を渡る必要がある。
We need to cross a dangerous bridge.
Similar words
危険
物騒
痛い
厄介
凶悪
際どい
荒っぽい
無茶
Terrible or awful
adjective
everyday
slang
Used to express that something is bad, terrible, or has gone wrong, often indicating a negative outcome or a mistake.
Examples
宿題を忘れて、やばい。
I forgot my homework, this is bad.
寝坊して遅刻した、やばい。
I overslept and was late, it's terrible.
このラーメン、味がやばい。
This ramen tastes terrible.
風邪を引いて、体調がやばい。
I caught a cold and my condition is bad.
パスポートを失くしてしまい、やばいことになった。
I lost my passport and it became a terrible situation.
彼の態度は本当にやばい。
His attitude is really terrible.
今日の天気はやばいね。
Today's weather is awful, huh.
Similar words
最悪
ダメ
駄目
ひどい
惨め
詰んだ
痛々しい
最低
Amazing or cool
adjective
everyday
slang
Used to describe something impressive, cool, or extremely good, often expressing admiration or excitement.
Examples
すごい！このプレイはやばい！
Wow! This play is amazing!
そこの店のラーメン、味がやばいよ。
The ramen at that shop tastes incredible.
彼のスキルはマジでやばい。
His skills are seriously crazy good.
今日のパーティーはやばいほど楽しかった。
Today's party was fun to a crazy extent.
新しいスマホがやばい速さで動く。
The new smartphone moves at an incredible speed.
この景色、やばいね。
This scenery is amazing, huh.
君のアイデアはやばい！
Your idea is awesome!
Similar words
すごい
最高
凄い
すげぇ
素晴らしい
すご腕
神がかっている
すごすぎる
Intense or extreme
adjective
everyday
informal
Describes something that is extreme in degree, such as very spicy, very hot, or very busy, without necessarily being good or bad.
Examples
このカレー、やばい辛い。
This curry is insanely spicy.
今日はやばい暑さだ。
Today is extremely hot.
今月は予定がやばいほど詰まっている。
This month my schedule is packed to an extreme.
彼の飲みっぷりはやばい。
His drinking capacity is extreme.
その坂道はやばい急勾配だ。
That slope is extremely steep.
テストがやばい難しかった。
The test was extremely difficult.
騒音がやばいうるさい。
The noise is extremely loud.
Similar words
激しい
甚だしい
過激
極端
強烈
ハンパない
半端ない
すごい
Etymology
Derived from the older adjective やば (yaba), meaning illegal or dangerous, possibly originating from the term 厄場 (yaba) referring to a dangerous place or situation, and later shifting to an i-adjective form.
FAQ
What does yabai mean?
It is a versatile slang term that can mean dangerous, terrible, amazing, or extreme depending on context.
Is yabai rude?
It is informal and slang, so it is not suitable for formal situations, but it is not inherently rude among friends.
Can yabai mean good?
Yes, in modern slang it is frequently used to mean amazing, cool, or incredible.
How do you use yabai in a sentence?
It functions as an i-adjective, such as "それはやばい" (That is amazing/bad/dangerous).
What is the origin of yabai?
It comes from the older word "yaba" meaning illegal or dangerous, possibly related to "yaba" meaning a dangerous place.
Is yabai formal or informal?
It is informal slang and should be avoided in formal or business contexts.
What are the synonyms for yabai?
Synonyms include "abunai" (dangerous), "saiaku" (the worst), and "sugoi" (amazing).
How do you conjugate yabai?
It conjugates like a standard i-adjective: negative "yabakunai", past "yabakatta", past negative "yabakunakatta".
Can women say yabai?
Yes, it is used by both men and women, though some variations like "yabee" sound more masculine.
What is the difference between yabai and abunai?
"Abunai" is the standard word for dangerous, while "yabai" is slang with a much wider range of meanings including good and bad.
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