Translation guide
The act of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific nouns and verbs depending on the context, such as criminal extortion, blackmail, or metaphorical 'highway robbery' pricing.
The illegal act of forcing someone to give money or property by threatening harm, exposure, or other consequences.
The standard legal and general term for extortion; obtaining money or goods through intimidation or threats.
He was arrested on suspicion of extortion.
Extortion cases are increasing.
Refers to the act of threatening or intimidation, often used in legal contexts for extortion when combined with taking money. It emphasizes the threat itself.
Threatening someone and taking their money is a serious crime.
Colloquial term for extortion or blackmail, often implying a shakedown or racketeering. Can be written as 強請り.
That guy makes a living through extortion.
Forcing someone to do something against their will, including handing over money. Often used in legal terms like 強要罪 (coercion).
I was forced to hand over money.
A specific type of extortion where the threat is to expose embarrassing, damaging, or incriminating information unless money is paid.
恐喝 covers blackmail as a form of extortion. It is the general term.
He extorted money by threatening to reveal the secret.
Descriptive phrase: 'to threaten and demand money'. Useful when you want to be explicit about the threat and demand.
Informal, metaphorical use of 'extortion' to describe prices that are unreasonably high, as if one is being forced to pay.
Colloquial noun/na-adjective meaning a rip-off or overcharging. Often used for taxis, bars, or tourist traps.
Literally 'outrageous price'. A more formal way to describe extortionate pricing.
Idiom meaning 'to take advantage of someone's weakness', often used when a seller charges a high price knowing the buyer has no choice.
恐喝 (extortion) specifically involves obtaining property or money through threats. 脅迫 (intimidation/threat) is the act of threatening itself, which may be part of extortion but is a separate crime. You can be charged with both if you threaten someone and take their money.
He was indicted on charges of intimidation and extortion.
強盗 (ごうとう) means robbery, which involves direct force or threat of immediate harm to take property. Extortion (恐喝) typically involves threats of future harm or exposure. Using 強盗 for extortion would be incorrect.
Extortion is a different crime from robbery.
He used the scandal as leverage to threaten and demand money.
Watch out for extortionate prices.
That hotel charged an extortionate price.
Once they know you're a tourist, they take advantage and charge high prices.