JLPT N2Four-character idioms
絶体絶命
- Meaning
- 逃れようのない切迫した状態のこと
- Explanation
- "絶体絶命" comes from the sense that both body and life are cornered, expressing a pressing situation from which there is no escape. It is used to describe a crisis where one is driven into a corner. Note that it is easily miswritten as "絶対". c4 "the willpower to not give up on life" is a positive meaning, which differs from its true meaning of being at a dead end.
Original Japanese explanation
「絶体絶命」は、体も命も窮まる意から、どうにも逃れようのない切迫した状況を表します。追い詰められたピンチを述べる場面で使います。「絶対」と書き誤りやすい点に注意。c4の「命を諦めない気力」は前向きな意味で、行き詰まりという本義とは異なります。
Quick check
Choose the most appropriate meaning of "絶体絶命".
Tap the answer you think is right.
