Translation guide
The English word 'emergency' refers to a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 緊急 (kinkyuu), but the best translation depends on the context, such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or urgent situations in daily life.
Referring to any sudden, serious situation that needs immediate attention, such as an accident, sudden illness, or crisis.
The most common and versatile word for 'emergency'. It can be used as a noun or in compound words. Often seen in signs and announcements.
緊急の場合は、このボタンを押してください。
In case of emergency, please press this button.
緊急事態が発生しました。
An emergency situation has occurred.
Literally 'time of emergency'. Used for emergency situations, often in formal or written contexts, such as disaster preparedness.
A situation where someone needs immediate medical help, such as a heart attack, injury, or sudden illness.
Specifically refers to emergency medical services. Used in words like 救急車 (ambulance) and 救急病院 (emergency hospital).
救急車を呼んでください！
Please call an ambulance!
彼は救急治療室に運ばれた。
He was taken to the emergency room.
A more formal term for 'emergency medical care'. Used in official or technical contexts.
緊急医療が必要です。
Emergency medical care is needed.
Referring to facilities or equipment used in emergencies, such as exits, alarms, or supplies.
Standard term for 'emergency exit'. Seen on signs in buildings and public transport.
非常口はあちらです。
The emergency exit is over there.
Prefix meaning 'for emergency use'. Attached to nouns like 非常用階段 (emergency stairs) or 非常用ボタン (emergency button).
非常用の懐中電灯を用意してください。
Please prepare a flashlight for emergency use.
Common phrases used to talk about what to do or what happens in an emergency.
Means 'in case of emergency' or 'in an emergency'. A very common and useful phrase.
緊急の場合は、119番に電話してください。
In case of emergency, please call 119.
A casual, everyday phrase meaning 'in case of emergency' or 'just in case'. Literally 'at the time of what-if'.
もしもの時のために、連絡先を教えてください。
Just in case of emergency, please tell me your contact information.
緊急 (kinkyuu) is the broadest term for urgency and emergency. 非常 (hijou) often appears in compound words for emergency equipment or situations (非常口, 非常時). 救急 (kyuukyuu) is specifically for medical emergencies. Use 緊急 for general emergencies, 救急 for medical, and 非常 for facilities or formal situations.
緊急の会議が開かれた。
An emergency meeting was held.
非常ベルが鳴った。
The emergency bell rang.
救急隊員が到着した。
The emergency medical team arrived.
The loanword エマージェンシー (emeegenshii) exists but is rarely used in natural Japanese. It may appear in some product names or very specific contexts, but for everyday speech, stick to the native terms above.
Please prepare water in case of emergency.
A formal term for 'emergency situation' or 'state of emergency'. Often used in news or official statements.
政府は緊急事態を宣言した。
The government declared a state of emergency.