瀬戸際

Reading

Kana: せとぎわ

Romaji: setogiwa

Definition

noun

1

brink; critical moment

Kanji

瀬

Readings: ライ、 せ

Meanings: rapids, current, torrent, shallows, shoal

戸

Readings: コ、 と

Meanings: door, counter for houses, door radical (no. 63)

際

Readings: サイ、 きわ、 -ぎわ

Meanings: occasion, side, edge, verge, dangerous, adventurous, indecent, time, when

Example Sentences

彼(かれ)は死(し)の瀬戸際(せとぎわ)にいた。

➥He was at the gate of death.

今(いま)は生(い)きるか死(し)ぬかのせとぎわです。

➥It's a do-or-die situation.

のるかそるかの瀬戸際(せとぎわ)まできた。

➥The situation has come to the point where we either sink or swim.