Translation guide
The English word "threat" covers a range of meanings from a direct statement of intent to harm, to a person or thing likely to cause damage, to a warning sign of something bad. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on the nuance.
A direct verbal or written expression that someone will do something bad to another person or group.
The most common and direct translation for a threat as an act of intimidation, often used in legal or serious contexts.
He was arrested for making threats.
A more colloquial term for a threat or intimidation, often used in everyday speech.
That's just a threat.
The verb 'to threaten' in a more casual or direct sense.
He threatened me with a knife.
A person, group, or thing that poses a danger or risk.
Used for a threat in the sense of a danger or menace, such as a security threat or environmental threat.
Terrorism is a global threat.
Means 'danger' and can be used when 'threat' implies a dangerous situation or entity.
A more explicit phrase meaning 'something that becomes a threat'.
The new virus is a threat.
An indication or sign that something unpleasant or dangerous is likely to happen.
Often used for a sign or omen, especially in phrases like 'threat of rain' or 'threat of war'.
There is a threat of rain in the sky.
Used to express the possibility or fear of something bad happening, common in news reports.
Means 'risk of ~' and can be used to indicate a threat of something negative.
The threat of flooding is increasing.
脅迫 (きょうはく) refers to the act of threatening or intimidation, often in a criminal sense. 脅威 (きょうい) refers to a threat as a danger or menace, like a security threat. Use 脅迫 for verbal/written threats and 脅威 for abstract dangers.
Avoid directly translating 'He is a threat' as 彼は脅迫だ. Instead, use 彼は脅威だ (He is a menace/danger) or rephrase to describe the danger he poses.
That animal is a threat to humans.
津波の恐れがあります。
There is a threat of a tsunami.