Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Threaten" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "threaten", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
脅かす
おどかす (odokasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
おびやかす
おびやかす (obiyakasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "threaten" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 脅かす and おびやかす.
In Japanese, 脅かす (おどかす (odokasu)) is typically associated with "to threaten, to intimidate; to surprise, to startle" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Has two main meanings: 1) to threaten someone, often with violence or negative consequences. 2) to startle or surprise someone.
On the other hand, おびやかす (おびやかす (obiyakasu)) maps to "to threaten, to endanger, to jeopardize" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses putting something. A literal translation of "threaten" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "脅かす"
彼はナイフで店員を脅かした。
He threatened the clerk with a knife.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はナイフで店員を脅かした。" (Meaning: "He threatened the clerk with a knife.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "脅かす" fits here because it means "to threaten, to intimidate; to surprise, to startle" in the context of: "He threatened the clerk with a knife.". "おびやかす" represents "to threaten, to endanger, to jeopardize".