synonym Comparative
脅かす
VS
呆れる
Differences Between "脅かす" and "呆れる"
Option A
脅かす
Meaning
to threaten, to intimidate; to surprise, to startle
Reading
おどかす (odokasu)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼はナイフで店員を脅かした。
He threatened the clerk with a knife.
Option B
呆れる
Meaning
to be amazed, to be astonished, to be disgusted (often implying negative surprise)
Reading
あきれる (akireru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼の無責任な行動には呆れてしまう。
I'm astonished by his irresponsible behavior.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to threaten, to intimidate; to surprise, to startle)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 脅かす: Has two main meanings: 1) to threaten someone, often with violence or negative consequences. 2) to startle or surprise someone (sometimes pronounced おどろかす). Context is key.
- 呆れる: Expresses a sense of disbelief, astonishment, or exasperation, usually with a negative connotation due to someone's actions, words, or an unexpected situation.
- 脅かす: Has two main meanings: 1) to threaten someone, often with violence or negative consequences. 2) to startle or surprise someone (sometimes pronounced おどろかす). Context is key.
- 呆れる: Expresses a sense of disbelief, astonishment, or exasperation, usually with a negative connotation due to someone's actions, words, or an unexpected situation.
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