Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Emergency" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "emergency", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
非常口
ひじょうぐち (hijouguchi)
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 非常口 and 応急.
In Japanese, 非常口 (ひじょうぐち (hijouguchi)) is typically associated with "emergency exit" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An exit to be used only in emergencies, typically found in buildings, trains, and planes..
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 "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.
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: "火事の時は、 ＿＿＿ から避難してください。" (Meaning: "In case of fire, please evacuate through the emergency exit.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "非常口" fits here because it means "emergency exit" in the context of: "In case of fire, please evacuate through the emergency exit.". "応急" represents "emergency (treatment, measure, etc.); first-aid".