Translation guide
The English verb "extort" means to obtain something, usually money, through force, threats, or abuse of authority. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; instead, different words and phrases are used depending on the method, relationship, and context.
Obtaining money by threatening harm, exposure, or other negative consequences.
A general verb meaning 'to threaten' or 'to intimidate'. When used in the context of demanding money, it implies extortion. Often used with 金を (money) and 取る (take).
彼は私を脅して金を取った。
He threatened me and took my money.
The legal and formal term for 'extortion' or 'blackmail'. It specifically refers to obtaining money or property through threats. Commonly used in news and legal contexts.
彼は恐喝の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of extortion.
A colloquial verb meaning 'to shake down' or 'to extort'. It implies a more direct, often physical, threat or intimidation to get money. Commonly used in crime-related contexts.
ヤクザが店からみかじめ料をゆすっている。
The yakuza are extorting protection money from the store.
Means 'to compel' or 'to force' someone to do something, including giving money. It emphasizes coercion rather than just threats. Often used in legal contexts.
彼は借金の返済を強要された。
He was forced to repay the debt.
Forcing someone to confess or reveal information through coercion or torture.
Literally 'to force a confession'. This is the standard phrase for extorting a confession, often used in legal or police contexts.
警察は容疑者に自白を強要した。
The police forced a confession out of the suspect.
Means 'to subject to torture'. It implies using physical pain to extract information or a confession. Stronger and more graphic than 強要する.
捕虜は拷問にかけられて情報を吐かされた。
The prisoner was tortured and forced to give up information.
Using one's power or position to unfairly obtain money or favors.
Means 'to exploit' or 'to squeeze'. It refers to extorting money or labor by taking advantage of a superior position, such as an employer exploiting workers. Often used in social or economic contexts.
その会社は従業員を搾取している。
That company is exploiting its employees.
Literally 'to use one's position to squeeze money out of someone'. A descriptive phrase for extortion by someone in power.
彼は自分の地位を利用して下請け業者から金を巻き上げた。
He used his position to extort money from subcontractors.
Demanding money or favors by threatening to expose damaging information.
Means 'to threaten' or 'to intimidate', often with the implication of blackmail. It can involve threats of exposure, violence, or other harm. Commonly used in crime reports.
彼は秘密をばらすと脅迫して金を要求した。
He threatened to reveal the secret and demanded money.
Literally 'to take advantage of someone's weakness'. It describes the act of exploiting a vulnerability to extort something, often used in interpersonal contexts.
彼は私の弱みに付け込んで金をせびった。
He took advantage of my weakness and extorted money from me.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'extort'. Using a direct translation like エクストートする is not natural. Choose the appropriate word based on the method and context.
恐喝 (きょうかつ) specifically refers to extortion/blackmail for financial gain, while 脅迫 (きょうはく) is a broader term for threats/intimidation that may or may not involve monetary demands. In legal contexts, 恐喝 is the crime of extortion, while 脅迫 is the crime of intimidation.