Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Emergency" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "emergency", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
緊急
きんきゅう (kinkyuu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
応急
おうきゅう (ōkyū)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "emergency" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 緊急 and 応急.
In Japanese, 緊急 (きんきゅう (kinkyuu)) is typically associated with "emergency, urgent" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 突然発生し、すぐに解決しなければならないような、非常に差し迫った状況や事態を指します。.
On the other hand, 応急 (おうきゅう (ōkyū)) maps to "emergency (treatment, measure, etc.); first-aid" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to temporary or immediate measures taken in an emergency until a proper solution can be found. Often combined with 「処置」. A literal translation of "emergency" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "緊急"
緊急事態が発生したので、すぐに避難してください。
An emergency has occurred, so please evacuate immediately.
Bilingual Context for "応急"
けが人に応急手当を施した。
I gave first aid to the injured person.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 事態が発生したので、すぐに避難してください。" (Meaning: "An emergency has occurred, so please evacuate immediately.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "緊急" fits here because it means "emergency, urgent" in the context of: "An emergency has occurred, so please evacuate immediately.". "応急" represents "emergency (treatment, measure, etc.); first-aid".