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
非常口
ひじょうぐち (hijouguchi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "emergency" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 緊急 and 非常口.
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, 非常口 (ひじょうぐち (hijouguchi)) maps to "emergency exit" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An exit to be used only in emergencies, typically found in buildings, trains, and planes.. 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 "非常口"
火事の時は、非常口から避難してください。
In case of fire, please evacuate through the emergency exit.
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.". "非常口" represents "emergency exit".