How to say "threat" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 脅威きょういnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers a threat in the sense of something or someone that poses danger, such as a rival or disease being a menace. It names the threatening thing itself rather than an act of threatening.
- 威嚇いかくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRefers to intimidation: the act of threatening or frightening someone, often by display or warning rather than words. Typical of police warnings or animals trying to scare off rivals.
- 脅迫きょうはくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe word for a threat as a criminal act, especially threatening someone to extort money or force compliance; also covers coercion and blackmail. It is the term used in legal and police contexts.
- 脅しおどしnounA threat in everyday speech, usually verbal, aimed at making someone do something. It carries the nuance of bluffing or intimidation by words rather than an actual criminal threat.
- 脅かしおどかしnounAlso means a threat, as the noun form of the verb for threatening someone. In practice it overlaps with 脅し, and for many everyday senses 脅し is the more usual choice.
Use 脅威 for a threatening presence or menace, 威嚇 for intimidating displays, 脅迫 for criminal threats or blackmail, and 「脅し」 or 「脅かし」 for everyday threats meant to make someone comply.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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