How to say "menace" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 脅威きょういnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe noun for a menace — a person or thing that poses a threat or danger. Use it when 'menace' names the threat itself, as in a menace to society.
- 脅かすおどかすgodan verb, transitive verbThe verb for menacing or intimidating a person — threatening them so they feel fear. It covers 'to menace' as an action directed at someone, rather than a named danger.
- 威嚇いかくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA noun for intimidation: threatening or menacing someone through an intimidating act. Where 脅迫 implies coercion or blackmail, 威嚇 centers on the intimidating act itself.
- 脅すおどすgodan verb, transitive verbA verb close to 脅かす: to threaten or frighten someone, often into doing something. For 'menace' as an action against a person, either verb works.
- 脅迫きょうはくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe word for threats as coercion — menacing someone to force their hand, including blackmail. Choose it when 'menace' implies coercion rather than a general threat.
For menace as a thing, use 脅威; to menace someone, use the verbs 「脅かす」 or 「脅す」; 威嚇 covers intimidation, while 脅迫 is for coercive threats amounting to blackmail.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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