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.
Terrorism is a major menace to the international community.
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.
Refers to an evil or harmful influence, often used in social or moral contexts. More literary.
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.
That kid is a neighborhood menace.
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.
He was arrested for menacing.
Intimidation or threatening display, often through posture or presence rather than words.
A threat or act of intimidation, often used in everyday speech.
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.
The escaped prisoner is considered a menace.
My puppy is a menace to my shoes.
He is a menace to the company's future.
Specifically a 'dangerous person', used when someone is a menace to others' safety.
The police regard him as a menace.
その教団は社会の害悪と見なされた。
The cult was considered a menace to society.
He becomes a menace when he's drunk.
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.
先生たちはその生徒に手を焼いている。
The teachers find that student a real menace.
He is the class menace.
Don't take a menacing attitude.
The dog growled in a menacing way.
That's just a menace (empty threat).