Translation guide
The English word "hazard" refers to a source of danger or risk. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 危険 (kiken), but other words are used in specific contexts like driving, safety, or formal warnings.
To refer to something that could cause harm, injury, or loss.
The most common and versatile word for 'danger' or 'hazard'. Can be used for physical dangers, risks, or threats.
この道は危険がいっぱいです。
This road is full of hazards.
喫煙の危険性について話し合った。
We discussed the hazards of smoking.
Specifically refers to hazardous materials or dangerous goods.
危険物の取り扱いには注意が必要です。
Handling hazardous materials requires caution.
Loanword from English, often used in technical or safety contexts, such as 'hazard map' or 'hazard light'.
ハザードマップを確認してください。
Please check the hazard map.
To refer to the hazard lights on a vehicle, used to indicate a temporary stop or warning.
The standard term for hazard lights in a car. Often shortened to just ハザード.
駐車するときはハザードランプをつけてください。
Please turn on your hazard lights when parking.
Formal term for hazard lights, used in official contexts or vehicle manuals.
非常点滅灯を点灯させて停車した。
I stopped the car with the hazard lights on.
To refer to a risk or danger in a workplace or environment.
Used in occupational health and safety to mean 'hazard' as a source of potential harm.
職場の有害要因を特定する。
Identify workplace hazards.
Often used interchangeably with hazard in business contexts, though technically risk is the chance of harm from a hazard.
この作業には多くのリスクが伴う。
This task involves many hazards.
To refer to a bunker, water hazard, or other obstacle on a golf course.
The standard golf term for a hazard, such as a bunker or water hazard.
ボールがハザードに入った。
The ball went into the hazard.
General term for obstacle, sometimes used in golf but less specific than ハザード.
危険 (kiken) is the general word for danger and is used in everyday language. ハザード (hazādo) is a loanword used mainly in technical, safety, or specialized contexts like driving or golf. Using ハザード in casual conversation may sound unnatural unless referring to specific terms like hazard lights.
Do not translate 'hazard a guess' literally. That phrase means to make a guess, and is unrelated to danger. In Japanese, you would say 推測する (suisoku suru) or 思い切って言う (omoikitte iu).
そのコースには多くの障害物がある。
That course has many hazards.