安牌

あんパイ
Alternative readings: アンパイ
Alternative writings: 安パイ
Frequency:
1

In mahjong, a 'safe tile' that can be discarded without risking giving an opponent a winning hand (often abbreviated as 'anpai').

NounMahjongAbbreviation

Examples

相手がリーチしたら、リーチ者にとって安牌と思われる牌を捨てる。

When an opponent declares riichi, discard a tile that appears to be safe for them.

その牌は場に多く出ているので今は安牌だ。

That tile has appeared many times on the table, so it's safe to discard now.

2

Figuratively, a 'no-risk choice' or an 'easy-to-handle person' — someone or something considered safe and uncontroversial.

NounAbbreviationIdiomatic Expression

Examples

今回は波風立てたくないから、安牌を選んでおこう。

I don't want any trouble this time, so I'll choose the safe option.

彼は会議ではいつも安牌だから、意見が変わらない。

He's always a safe bet in meetings, so his opinion never changes.

Word Relationships

Synonyms