Yabai! A Useful Japanese Phrase

やばい Yabai /jabai/ is a Japanese slang term that can mean a variety of things depending on the context. In general, it can be used to express surprise, excitement, or danger. In English, it could be translated as “Wow!,” “Awesome!,” “risky,” or “dangerous” depending on the situation.

The meaning of やばい Yabai

Originally, やばい Yabai means “dangerous” or “risky” in Japanese. It refers to a situation where unexpected difficulties or problems are expected to arise.

• Dangerous
• Risky

In contrast, やばい Yabai is used for expressing positive feelings, too. This usage has been used among young people since around 2000, and it is used with a totally positive connotation.

• Awesome!
• Great

The origin of やばい Yabai

There are several theories about the origin of the word やばい Yabai, but the strongest one is that it originated from criminals. In the past, guards who protected prisons were called 厄場 “Yaba,” and for criminals like thieves, Yaba was an entity they naturally did not want to get involved with. Therefore, it is said that the term Yabai came to be used to refer to bad situations that could lead to having to rely on Yaba due to unfavourable circumstances. There is also a theory that after being caught and becoming a prisoner when one was about to be caught doing something wrong and the Yaba was about to find out, prisoners taught each other to say Yabai. It is thought that the word was originally a secret language used among criminals.

Another strong theory is that it originated from old archery ranges. In the past, archery ranges were called Yaba, and during the Edo period, some of these ranges became dens of criminals. Therefore, there was a danger of being suspected of involvement in criminal activities if one approached the Yaba recklessly and was spotted by officials. It is said that the term Yabai came to be used because of such a place.

In any case, it is commonly believed that the word was used when one’s safety was in danger in the past, and it is still used today.

Who uses Yabai the most?

When I was a teenager, my friends and I used やばい Yabai almost every day. However, we can’t use やばい Yabai in formal and business conversations.

Variety and examples of やばい Yabai

やばい /jabai/

• He is working in a やばい (dangerous) job.
• Meeting now is really やばい (problematic).
• The supporters of flat earth seem やばい (something unique or strange).
• やばい (Wao)、it is sold out.
• This scene of the anime is really やばい (exciting).
• These comedians are rally やばい (interesting).

やべえ Yabee /jabeː/ or やべっ Yabe /jabe/

やべえ or やべっ is usually used by men, but women also use the term sometimes.

• やべえ (god), I forgot to do homework.
• That girl is やべえ (hot)!

やばっ Yaba /jaba/

やばっ Yaba is used by both men and women.

• やばっ！(Wao!) I was going to through away the important documents.
• やばっ！(Ohh!) It’s really exciting.