Translation guide
The English word 'alarm' covers devices that warn of danger, the feeling of fear or anxiety, and the act of warning someone. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A device that makes a loud noise to warn of danger or an emergency.
General term for an alarm or warning signal, often used in compounds.
The fire alarm went off.
Loanword from English, commonly used for alarms in general, including alarm clocks.
Specifically refers to the physical alarm device.
A clock that wakes you up or reminds you at a set time.
A sudden feeling of fear or worry, often about a possible danger.
General feeling of unease or anxiety, often used when 'alarm' means worry.
The act of making someone aware of danger or a problem.
To warn or caution someone, often used for giving an alarm about a specific threat.
When 'alarm' means a feeling of fear or anxiety, avoid direct translations like 警報. Use 不安 or 警戒 instead.
I felt alarm at his expression.
警報 is the native Japanese word for warning alarms (fire, earthquake). アラーム is a loanword often used for alarm clocks, smartphone alarms, and general alert sounds. In formal or official contexts, 警報 is preferred.
Install an alarm system.
アラームが鳴り響いた。
The alarm rang out.
警報機が故障している。
The alarm is broken.
The standard word for an alarm clock.
Set the alarm clock.
The alarm clock didn't go off.
Short for 目覚まし時計, very common in casual speech.
Set the alarm for tomorrow morning.
Also used for alarm clock, especially in the context of smartphone alarms.
Stop the smartphone alarm.
I felt alarm at the news.
Vigilance or alertness against danger, closer to 'alarm' as a state of being on guard.
The residents heightened their alarm.
Surprise or shock, sometimes used when 'alarm' implies a startled reaction.
She cried out in alarm.
They sounded the alarm about the danger.
To issue an alarm or warning, often used for official alerts.
The meteorological agency issued an alarm.