Translation guide
The English verb "threaten" covers a range of meanings from direct verbal intimidation to implying danger or risk. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions depending on whether the threat is verbal, physical, or abstract (like a risk or warning sign).
嵐が作物を脅かしている。
The storm threatens the crops.
Use 脅かす (おびやかす) for abstract or indirect threats to something's existence or well-being.
To say you will harm or punish someone to make them do something or feel afraid.
The most common and general verb for threatening someone verbally or with gestures. Can be used in both serious and casual contexts.
彼は私をナイフで脅した。
He threatened me with a knife.
脅さないでください。
Please don't threaten me.
A more formal and legal term for threatening or intimidation, often used in contexts like blackmail or criminal threats.
彼は脅迫罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for making threats (intimidation).
Often used for threatening someone's position, safety, or well-being in a more abstract or indirect way, but can also mean to physically threaten.
そのスキャンダルは彼の地位を脅かした。
The scandal threatened his position.
Literally 'to say threatening words'. Used when describing the act of making verbal threats.
彼はいつも脅し文句を言うけど、本当にやったことはない。
He always makes threats, but he's never actually done anything.
To be likely to cause harm, damage, or negative consequences to something.
Used when something (a situation, event, etc.) endangers or jeopardizes something else, like safety, peace, or a way of life.
気候変動は私たちの生活を脅かしている。
Climate change is threatening our way of life.
その病気は多くの命を脅かした。
The disease threatened many lives.
Literally 'to expose to danger'. Used when someone or something puts another thing at risk.
その決定は会社の将来を危険にさらした。
The decision threatened the company's future.
Means 'to become a threat to ~'. Often used in news or formal writing.
この新技術は既存の産業の脅威となるかもしれない。
This new technology may threaten existing industries.
To indicate that something unpleasant or dangerous is likely to happen.
A common pattern meaning 'there is a risk/danger that ~'. Used for objective warnings, like weather forecasts or risk assessments.
大雨で洪水が発生する恐れがあります。
Heavy rain threatens to cause flooding.
A casual way to say 'it looks like it will ~', often used for immediate threats like 'it's threatening to rain'.
雨が降りそうだ。
It's threatening to rain.
今にも泣き出しそうな顔をしている。
She looks like she's threatening to burst into tears.
脅す is for direct, often personal threats (verbal or physical intimidation). 脅かす is for indirect, often abstract threats to safety, peace, status, etc. While there is some overlap, 脅かす is rarely used for face-to-face verbal threats.
彼は私を脅した。
He threatened me (directly).
戦争が平和を脅かしている。
War threatens peace.
Saying 雨が私を脅す (The rain threatens me) sounds unnatural. Use patterns like ～しそうだ or ～の恐れがある for weather and abstract risks.
彼は私を殺すと脅した。
He threatened to kill me.
汚染が海洋生物を脅かしている。
Pollution threatens marine life.
雪が降りそうだ。
It's threatening to snow.