Colloquial/slang for dangerous, risky, or in a bad situation — used to warn or express concern.
この橋、古くて落ちそうだよ。やばいよ。
This bridge is old and looks like it might fall — it's dangerous.
テスト明日なのに全然勉強してない。やばい。
The test is tomorrow and I haven't studied at all. I'm in trouble.
あの階段濡れてるから滑るとやばいよ。
Those stairs are wet — it's dangerous if you slip.
Slang meaning awful, terrible, or really bad (negative evaluation).
昨夜の料理、味が濃すぎてやばかった。
Last night's dish was way too salty — it was awful.
あの映画の内容、やばいほどつまらなかった。
That movie was so boring it was terrible.
仕事のミスが大きくて、やばい状況だ。
The mistake at work is big — it's a serious situation.
Slang meaning terrific, amazing, or cool — used positively to praise something.
このライブ、やばいくらい良かった！
That concert was insanely good!
新作ゲーム、グラフィックがやばいね。
The new game's graphics are amazing.
彼の演奏、やばかった。感動した。
His performance was incredible. I was moved.
Slang used to indicate something extreme or out of the ordinary — an intensifier meaning 'extremely' or 'insane'.
台風の被害がやばい。住宅が流されている。
The typhoon damage is severe — houses are being swept away.
彼の負担はやばいほど重い仕事量だ。
His workload is insanely heavy.