Translation guide
The English word "menace" can refer to a threat, a dangerous person or thing, or a persistent nuisance. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from serious threats to playful annoyance.
Expressing that someone or something poses a threat, danger, or risk of harm.
The most direct and common translation for 'menace' as a serious threat or danger, often used in formal or written contexts.
テロは国際社会にとって大きな脅威だ。
Terrorism is a major menace to the international community.
その新種のウイルスは公衆衛生上の脅威となっている。
The new virus has become a menace to public health.
Literally 'a threatening existence', used to describe a person or thing that menaces or endangers something.
彼は会社の将来を脅かす存在だ。
He is a menace to the company's future.
Specifically a 'dangerous person', used when someone is a menace to others' safety.
警察は彼を危険人物とみなしている。
The police regard him as a menace.
Refers to an evil or harmful influence, often used in social or moral contexts. More literary.
その教団は社会の害悪と見なされた。
The cult was considered a menace to society.
Describing a person, especially a child, or thing that is a constant source of trouble or irritation.
A person who is a burden or troublemaker; often used for a mischievous child or a difficult person.
あの子は近所の厄介者だ。
That kid is a neighborhood menace.
彼は酔うと厄介者になる。
He becomes a menace when he's drunk.
Similar to 厄介者, but slightly softer; a person who causes trouble or worry.
A phrase meaning 'to be at a loss how to deal with someone', often used when someone is a menace in the sense of being unmanageable.
Literally 'problem child', used for a child who is a menace in school or at home.
The act of menacing someone, such as making threats or intimidating gestures.
The act of threatening or intimidation; can be verbal or physical. Often used in legal contexts.
彼は脅迫罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for menacing.
脅迫的な態度をとるな。
Don't take a menacing attitude.
Intimidation or threatening display, often through posture or presence rather than words.
A threat or act of intimidation, often used in everyday speech.
それはただの脅しだ。
That's just a menace (empty threat).
When calling a child a 'menace' in a lighthearted way, directly translating to 脅威 would sound overly serious and unnatural. Use 厄介者 or 困り者 instead.
脅威 is a noun meaning 'threat' or 'menace' (the thing itself), while 脅迫 refers to the act of threatening or menacing. Use 脅威 for the source of danger, and 脅迫 for the behavior.
脱走犯人は脅威とみなされている。
The escaped prisoner is considered a menace.
うちの子犬は靴の厄介者だ。
My puppy is a menace to my shoes.
いたずら好きの弟は家族の困り者だ。
My mischievous little brother is a menace to the family.
The teachers find that student a real menace.
彼はクラスの問題児だ。
He is the class menace.
The dog growled in a menacing way.