Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Threaten" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "threaten", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
おびやかす
おびやかす (obiyakasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
脅す
おどす (odosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "threaten" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おびやかす and 脅す.
In Japanese, おびやかす (おびやかす (obiyakasu)) is typically associated with "to threaten, to endanger, to jeopardize" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses putting something.
On the other hand, 脅す (おどす (odosu)) maps to "to threaten, to intimidate" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To try to scare or force someone to do something by making threats.. A literal translation of "threaten" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "おびやかす"
地球温暖化は、人類の未来を脅かしている。
Global warming is threatening the future of humanity.
Bilingual Context for "脅す"
彼は私を脅して、秘密をばらそうとした。
He tried to threaten me into revealing the secret.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "地球温暖化は、人類の未来を脅かしている。" (Meaning: "Global warming is threatening the future of humanity.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おびやかす" fits here because it means "to threaten, to endanger, to jeopardize" in the context of: "Global warming is threatening the future of humanity.". "脅す" represents "to threaten, to intimidate".