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B1 verb #5,000 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

脅かす

obiyakasu 상위 5,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 脅かす 30초 만에

설명 脅かす in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 脅かす (obiyakasu) is quite advanced and not usually taught. Most A1 students learn 'kowai' (scary) or 'odoroku' (to be surprised). However, if you see this word, it's important to know it's about something 'dangerous' happening to something good. For example, if a big dog comes near a small bird, the bird's life is 'threatened'. In A1, we focus on simple actions. This word is an action where one thing makes another thing unsafe. It is like saying 'to make something dangerous'. Just remember: 脅かす = to make something unsafe. You might hear it in very simple news or children's stories where a 'bad guy' threatens a 'peaceful village'. At this stage, don't worry about using it yourself, but recognize the kanji (脅) which looks like a lot of 'power' (力) being used.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you start to learn more specific verbs. You might know 'abunai' (dangerous). 脅かす (obiyakasu) is the verb form of making something 'abunai'. It is often used with things like 'peace' (平和 - heiwa) or 'safety' (安全 - anzen). In A2, you should understand that this word is different from 'surprise'. If you say 'obiyakasu', you mean something serious. If you say 'odorokasu', you mean 'Surprise!'. They look the same in kanji, so be careful. An A2 student might see a sentence like 'The storm threatened the town'. In Japanese, that would be 'Arashi ga machi o obiyakashita'. It's a useful word for talking about problems in the environment or the news. Focus on the pattern: [Thing that is dangerous] を obiyakasu.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 脅かす (obiyakasu) to discuss social issues and personal challenges. This is where the distinction between 'obiyakasu' (endanger) and 'odosu' (threaten/extort) becomes vital. You should use 'obiyakasu' when talking about things like the economy, your job position, or the environment. For example, 'New AI might threaten our jobs' (AI ga watashitachi no shigoto o obiyakasu). You should also be comfortable with the passive form 'obiyakasareru'. This is very common in B1 level reading materials like news articles. If you hear 'Heiwana kurashi ga obiyakasarete-iru', it means 'Peaceful life is being threatened'. This level is about nuance—choosing this word over 'abunaku suru' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.

At the B2 level, you should master the abstract use of 脅かす (obiyakasu). It is no longer just about physical safety, but about concepts like 'authority', 'order', and 'existence'. You will use it in essays to describe how certain policies might threaten 'human rights' (jinken o obiyakasu) or 'social order' (shakai no chitsujo o obiyakasu). You should also distinguish it clearly from 'kyouhaku' (blackmail/legal intimidation). B2 learners should be able to identify the reading 'obiyakasu' vs 'odorokasu' instantly based on the context of the sentence without needing furigana. You might also use it in sports or business to describe a 'threat' to a record or a market leader. It adds a level of sophistication to your arguments in debates or presentations.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C1 level, 脅かす (obiyakasu) is used with high precision in literary and academic contexts. You will explore its use in historical texts or high-level journalism where it describes the 'threatening' of national sovereignty or the 'endangering' of a cultural legacy. C1 learners should be aware of literary synonyms like '危うめる' (ayaumeru) and know when to choose 'obiyakasu' for its specific nuance of a looming, systemic threat. You might also encounter it in psychological contexts, describing how trauma 'threatens' a person's sense of self. Your ability to use the causative-passive or other complex forms correctly in a sentence like 'Kanojo no chii wa obiyakasare-tsuzukete-kita' (Her position has continued to be threatened) shows a high mastery of Japanese grammar and vocabulary.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of 脅かす (obiyakasu) and its place in the broader Japanese lexicon. You can appreciate the word's etymological roots and its role in classical-style modern prose. You use it effortlessly in high-stakes environments, such as diplomatic negotiations or legal discourse, where the distinction between a 'threat to safety' and a 'threat to a right' is legally significant. You can also play with the word in creative writing, using it metaphorically to describe how a new idea 'threatens' the very foundation of a philosophy. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are aware of how its frequency in certain types of media (like 'keimo-sho' or enlightenment books) shapes public perception of risk and stability in Japanese society.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

脅かす 30초 만에

Used for abstract threats like peace or status.
More formal than the direct threat verb 'odosu'.
Written the same as 'odorokasu' (to surprise).
Essential for news, business, and social topics.

The Japanese verb 脅かす (obiyakasu) is a sophisticated term primarily used to describe the act of endangering, threatening, or menacing something abstract yet vital, such as peace, security, a position, or an ecosystem. While its counterpart 'odosu' refers to a more direct, verbal, or physical threat (like a mugger demanding money), obiyakasu focuses on the erosion of stability or the looming presence of danger that puts a state of being at risk. In a professional or socio-political context, this word is indispensable. For instance, when discussing how new technology might threaten job security, or how climate change threatens the environment, obiyakasu is the precise choice. It carries a weight of gravity, suggesting that the foundation of something is being undermined.

Nuance of Stability: This verb is specifically used when the object is a 'status quo' that people wish to maintain. If you 'obiyakasu' someone's livelihood, you are making their future uncertain.

戦争は世界の平和を脅かす最大の要因です。(War is the greatest factor that threatens world peace.)

In daily Japanese life, you might see this in news headlines regarding economic shifts or environmental reports. It is less about a person shouting at another and more about a systemic or environmental pressure. For example, a new competitor in the market might obiyakasu a long-standing company's dominance. This sense of 'threatening a position' is a very common usage.

Abstract vs. Concrete: Use 'obiyakasu' for abstract concepts like 'peace' (平和), 'rights' (権利), or 'safety' (安全). Use 'odosu' for concrete threats like 'I will hit you'.

不況が国民の生活を脅かしている。(The recession is threatening the people's livelihood.)

Furthermore, the word implies a continuous state of danger. It is not a one-time event like a jump-scare, but a lingering shadow over a positive condition. When a species is endangered, Japanese scientists use the term 'zetsumetsu no osore ga aru' (danger of extinction), but they might describe the factors as 'seitaikei o obiyakasu' (threatening the ecosystem).

Grammatical Note: This is a transitive verb (ta-doushi), so it always takes the particle 'o' (を) to indicate what is being threatened.

彼の地位が脅かされた。(His position was threatened.)

環境破壊は人類の未来を脅かしている。(Environmental destruction is threatening the future of humanity.)

In summary, obiyakasu is the word you need when describing serious, systemic, or existential threats to things we value as a society or individuals. It elevates your Japanese from simple 'scary' words to professional, descriptive language.

Using 脅かす (obiyakasu) correctly requires understanding its transitive nature and its preference for abstract objects. The basic structure is [Subject] ga [Object] o obiyakasu. The subject can be a person, a phenomenon, or an event. The object is usually something positive that is now in danger. For example, if you want to say 'The rumors threatened her reputation', you would say 'Uwasa ga kanojo no hyouban o obiyakasu'.

Common Subjects: Common subjects include: 経済危機 (Economic crisis), 環境汚染 (Environmental pollution), 新しい技術 (New technology), 不安 (Anxiety), and 犯罪 (Crime).

サイバー攻撃が国家の安全を脅かしている。(Cyberattacks are threatening national security.)

One of the most common grammatical variations is the passive form: 脅かされる (obiyakasareru). This is used when the focus is on the thing being threatened. 'My peace was threatened' becomes 'Watashi no heiwana seikatsu ga obiyakasareta'. This is very common in journalism.

Collocations with 'Position': The phrase '地位を脅かす' (chii o obiyakasu) is a set phrase meaning to threaten someone's social or professional standing. You'll hear this in office dramas or political news.

新入社員の才能が、先輩の地位を脅かしている。(The new employee's talent is threatening the senior's position.)

Another important usage is in environmental and health contexts. 'Kenchou o obiyakasu' (threatening health) is a common way to describe the effects of toxins or bad habits.

過度なストレスは健康を脅かす恐れがあります。(Excessive stress may threaten your health.)

Formal Tone: 'Obiyakasu' is quite formal. In casual conversation, people might use 'yabai' or 'kowai', but 'obiyakasu' is the correct term for essays, speeches, and news.

自由を脅かすような法律には反対です。(I am against laws that threaten freedom.)

その事件は、街の平穏を脅かした。(The incident threatened the peace of the town.)

By mastering these patterns, you can discuss complex social and personal issues with precision. Always focus on the 'stability' that is being challenged.

You will encounter 脅かす (obiyakasu) most frequently in serious media and intellectual discussions. In Japanese television news (NHK, etc.), this word appears almost daily when reporting on global conflicts, economic downturns, or environmental crises. For example, a news anchor might say, 'Kore wa sekai no antei o obiyakasu jitai desu' (This is a situation that threatens world stability).

In Corporate Japan: In business meetings, you'll hear it regarding competition. 'Raibaru gaisha no shinyouseihin ga waga-sha no shea o obiyakashite-imasu' (The competitor's new product is threatening our market share).

インフレが人々の暮らしを脅かしています。(Inflation is threatening people's lives.)

Documentary films and nature programs are also prime locations for this word. When discussing the melting of polar ice caps or the loss of biodiversity, narrators will use obiyakasu to emphasize the threat to the planet's future. It provides a sense of urgency and gravity that simpler words lack.

Academic and Literary Contexts: In university lectures on sociology or political science, professors use this word to describe systemic risks to democracy or human rights.

この発見は、これまでの定説を脅かすものだ。(This discovery threatens the established theories.)

Interestingly, you might also hear this in sports commentary. If a young athlete is performing exceptionally well, the commentator might say they are 'threatening the veteran's record' (bereteran no kiroku o obiyakasu). This adds a dramatic flair to the competition.

News Keywords: Keywords often paired with 'obiyakasu' in the news: 生存権 (right to live), 領土 (territory), 秩序 (order).

テロリズムは、社会の秩序を脅かしている。(Terrorism is threatening the order of society.)

彼の発言は、党の結束を脅かしかねない。(His remarks could potentially threaten the party's unity.)

In summary, if the topic is serious, abstract, and involves a risk to a valued state or position, obiyakasu is the word you will hear. It is a hallmark of 'adult' or 'formal' Japanese.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 脅かす (obiyakasu) is confusing it with its homograph 脅かす (odorokasu). Both are written with the exact same kanji (脅かす), but they have completely different meanings and readings. Odorokasu means 'to surprise' or 'to startle' someone, like jumping out from behind a door. Obiyakasu means 'to threaten' or 'to endanger' a status or position.

The Reading Trap: If you see 脅かす in a sentence about a birthday surprise, read it as 'odorokasu'. If you see it in a sentence about a war or a career, read it as 'obiyakasu'.

❌ 友達を脅かして(obiyakashite)びっくりさせた。(Incorrect reading for 'surprise')
✅ 友達を脅かして(odorokashite)びっくりさせた。(Correct reading for 'surprise')

Another common error is using obiyakasu when you should use odosu. Odosu (脅す) is used for direct, interpersonal threats—usually involving fear or a demand. If a criminal says 'Give me your money or I'll kill you', that is 'odosu'. If a company's actions might lead to environmental damage, that 'threatens' the environment, which is obiyakasu.

Object Selection: Don't use 'obiyakasu' with people as the direct object unless you are threatening their 'position' or 'safety'. You don't 'obiyakasu' a person; you 'obiyakasu' their life (inochi o obiyakasu).

❌ 彼は私を脅かした。(He threatened me - implies 'obiyakasu', but usually sounds like 'surprise' or is grammatically awkward for a direct threat.)
✅ 彼は私を脅した。(He threatened/blackmailed me.)

Additionally, watch out for the particle usage. Since it is transitive, you must use 'o' (を). Some learners accidentally use 'ni' as if it were an intransitive verb of emotion, but that is incorrect.

Register Errors: Using 'obiyakasu' in a very casual setting, like 'That spider is threatening my lunch', might sound overly dramatic or comical because the word is so formal.

❌ 雨がピクニックを脅かしている。(Rain is threatening the picnic - sounds a bit too heavy.)
✅ 雨でピクニックが中止になりそうだ。(The picnic might be cancelled due to rain.)

✅ 異常気象が農業を脅かしている。(Abnormal weather is threatening agriculture - Correct formal usage.)

Being aware of these distinctions—especially the reading difference with 'surprise' and the nuance difference with 'blackmail'—will make your Japanese much more natural and precise.

Understanding the synonyms of 脅かす (obiyakasu) helps you choose the right level of intensity and formality for your conversation. The most closely related words are 脅す (odosu), 脅迫する (kyouhaku suru), and 脅かす (odorokasu).

Obiyakasu vs. Odosu: 'Obiyakasu' is abstract and systemic (threatening peace). 'Odosu' is direct and personal (threatening someone with a knife or words). 'Odosu' usually implies an intent to frighten or extort.

彼はナイフで店員を脅した。(He threatened the clerk with a knife.)

Kyouhaku suru (脅迫する): This is a legal and formal term meaning 'to intimidate' or 'to blackmail'. It is stronger than 'odosu' and often used in police reports or court cases.

Odorokasu (脅かす/驚かす): As mentioned, this shares the same kanji but means 'to surprise'. It is much more common in daily, lighthearted situations. 'Surprise!' is 'Odorokashite gomen!'

後ろからわっと言って、妹を脅かした(odorokashita)。(I said 'boo' from behind and surprised my sister.)

Ayaumeru (危うめる): This is a very formal, literary synonym for 'obiyakasu'. It specifically means 'to jeopardize' or 'to endanger'. You will mostly see this in formal writing or high-level literature.

不祥事が、会社の存続を危うめている。(The scandal is jeopardizing the company's existence.)

Odorosu (おどろす - Rare/Dialect): In some dialects, the distinctions might blur, but in standard Japanese (Hyojungo), stick to the four main ones: obiyakasu, odorokasu, odosu, and kyouhaku.

物価高騰が国民の生活水準を脅かしている。(Rising prices are threatening the people's standard of living.)

彼の地位を脅かすようなライバルが現れた。(A rival appeared who might threaten his position.)

By comparing these options, you can see that obiyakasu occupies a unique space: it is the primary word for 'threatening the status quo' or 'jeopardizing stability' in a formal, serious way.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The kanji 脅 consists of three 'power' (力) radicals and 'flesh' (月). It suggests that three times the power is being applied to the body, literally pressing down on someone.

발음 가이드

UK /oʊ.bi.jɑː.kɑː.suː/

US /oʊ.bi.jɑː.kɑː.suː/

Pitch accent: Low-High-High-High-High (Heiban style). The pitch starts low on 'o' and rises on 'bi', staying flat.

라임이 맞는 단어

akasu (to reveal) makasu (to defeat) nakasu (to make cry) wakasu (to boil) hikasu (to shine) fukasu (to steam) saku (to bloom) kaku (to write)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the final 'u' too strongly.
Confusing the pitch with 'odorokasu'.
Stress-timing rather than mora-timing.
Misreading the kanji as 'odorokasu' in serious contexts.
Using English-style intonation (rising at the end).

난이도

독해 4/5

The kanji is complex and the homograph 'odorokasu' makes it tricky for intermediate learners.

쓰기 4/5

Writing the kanji '脅' requires many strokes and correct radical placement.

말하기 3/5

The word is long (5 syllables) but the pronunciation is straightforward.

듣기 3/5

Common in news, so easy to recognize once you know the context.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

危ない (abunai) 怖い (kowai) 平和 (heiwa) 安全 (anzen) 地位 (chii)

다음에 배울 것

脅威 (kyoui) 危うめる (ayaumeru) 威嚇 (ikaku) 存続 (sonzoku) 基盤 (kiban)

고급

認識論的 (ninshikiron-teki) 脆弱性 (zeijakusei) 既得権益 (kitoku ken'eki)

알아야 할 문법

Passive Form (受身形)

平和が脅かされる。(Peace is threatened.)

Potential Form (可能形)

地位を脅かしうる。(Can threaten the position.)

Causative Form (使役形)

不安に脅かさせる。(To make someone be threatened by anxiety - Rare.)

Volitional Form (意向形)

平和を脅かそうとする。(Attempt to threaten peace.)

Compound Verb '-kane-nai' (～かねない)

安全を脅かしかねない。(Might potentially threaten safety.)

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

その大きな音は、小鳥の生活を脅かします。

That loud noise threatens the little bird's life.

Simple Subject + Object + Verb structure.

悪い人が、村の平和を脅かしました。

A bad person threatened the village's peace.

Past tense 'obiyakashimashita'.

火事は、私たちの家を脅かします。

Fire threatens our house.

Using 'wa' for the subject.

ごみは、海を脅かしています。

Trash is threatening the sea.

Present continuous '-te iru'.

冬の寒さが、花を脅かします。

The winter cold threatens the flowers.

Natural phenomena as subject.

病気が、健康を脅かします。

Illness threatens health.

Abstract concept 'kenkou'.

嵐が、船を脅かしました。

The storm threatened the ship.

Past tense.

新しいルールが、私たちの自由を脅かします。

New rules threaten our freedom.

Abstract concept 'jiyuu'.

大雨が、この町の安全を脅かしている。

Heavy rain is threatening the safety of this town.

Focus on '-te iru' for ongoing threats.

工場の煙が、空気を脅かしています。

Smoke from factories is threatening the air.

Polite form 'shite-imasu'.

うわさが、彼女の生活を脅かした。

Rumors threatened her life.

Social threat.

戦争は、子供たちの未来を脅かします。

War threatens the future of children.

Strong social statement.

その事件は、街の静けさを脅かした。

The incident threatened the quiet of the town.

Abstract object 'shizukesa'.

新しいビルが、古い公園を脅かしている。

A new building is threatening the old park.

Development vs Nature.

インフレが、人々の暮らしを脅かしている。

Inflation is threatening people's livelihoods.

Economic context.

テロは、世界の安全を脅かす。

Terrorism threatens world safety.

Global issue.

新しい技術が、伝統的な職人の地位を脅かしている。

New technology is threatening the status of traditional craftsmen.

Professional status threat.

彼の不注意な発言が、チームの団結を脅かした。

His careless remarks threatened the unity of the team.

Social unity threat.

環境破壊は、多くの動植物の生存を脅かしている。

Environmental destruction is threatening the survival of many plants and animals.

Survival 'seizon' as object.

サイバー攻撃が、政府の機密を脅かしている。

Cyberattacks are threatening government secrets.

Modern security context.

不況によって、多くの家族の家計が脅かされている。

Due to the recession, many families' budgets are being threatened.

Passive form 'obiyakasarete-iru'.

そのスキャンダルは、政治家のキャリアを脅かした。

The scandal threatened the politician's career.

Career threat.

食料不足が、国の安定を脅かしている。

Food shortages are threatening the stability of the country.

Stability 'antei' as object.

過度な競争が、生徒たちの精神健康を脅かしている。

Excessive competition is threatening the mental health of students.

Mental health context.

その独裁的な政策は、民主主義の根幹を脅かすものだ。

That dictatorial policy is something that threatens the very foundation of democracy.

Foundation 'konkan' as object.

新興勢力の台頭が、既存企業の市場独占を脅かしている。

The rise of emerging powers is threatening the market monopoly of existing companies.

Economic terminology.

プライバシーの侵害が、個人の尊厳を脅かしている。

Infringement of privacy is threatening individual dignity.

Dignity 'songen' as object.

核兵器の存在は、人類の存続そのものを脅かしている。

The existence of nuclear weapons threatens the very existence of humanity.

Existential threat.

気候変動は、沿岸部の都市の安全を脅かし続けている。

Climate change continues to threaten the safety of coastal cities.

Compound verb '-tsuzukeru'.

自由貿易の制限は、世界経済の成長を脅かしかねない。

Restrictions on free trade could potentially threaten the growth of the world economy.

Grammar '-kane-nai' (could potentially).

その法案は、表現の自由を根本から脅かす恐れがある。

The bill fears to threaten freedom of expression from its roots.

Grammar 'osore ga aru' (fear/risk).

高齢化社会は、年金制度の持続可能性を脅かしている。

The aging society is threatening the sustainability of the pension system.

Sustainability 'jizoku kanousei'.

ポピュリズムの蔓延は、法の支配を深刻に脅かしている。

The spread of populism is seriously threatening the rule of law.

Rule of law 'hou no shihai'.

この新発見は、物理学の既存のパラダイムを脅かす可能性がある。

This new discovery has the potential to threaten the existing paradigms of physics.

Scientific paradigm shift.

文化の画一化は、地域の多様性を脅かす要因となっている。

The homogenization of culture is becoming a factor that threatens regional diversity.

Homogenization 'kakuitsu-ka'.

その軍事境界線での緊張は、東アジアの安定を脅かしている。

Tensions at that military border are threatening the stability of East Asia.

Geopolitical context.

行き過ぎた資本主義が、社会の連帯を脅かしているという指摘がある。

There are points made that excessive capitalism is threatening social solidarity.

Social solidarity 'rentai'.

遺伝子組み換え技術は、生態系のバランスを脅かすと危惧されている。

There are fears that genetic modification technology threatens the balance of the ecosystem.

Environmental fear 'kigu'.

情報の非対称性が、市場の健全な競争を脅かしている。

Information asymmetry is threatening healthy competition in the market.

Economic concept 'jouhou no hitsaitoushei'.

彼の一挙手一投足が、王権の正当性を脅かしていた。

His every move was threatening the legitimacy of the royal power.

Idiom 'ikkyoushu ittousoku'.

虚偽情報の拡散は、認識論的安定性を脅かす未曾有の事態である。

The diffusion of disinformation is an unprecedented situation threatening epistemological stability.

Advanced vocabulary 'mizou' (unprecedented).

その哲学的命題は、我々の存在論的基盤を脅かす深遠な問いを含んでいる。

That philosophical proposition contains profound questions that threaten our ontological foundations.

Ontological 'sonzairon-teki'.

グローバル経済の脆弱性が、国家主権の行使を脅かしている。

The fragility of the global economy is threatening the exercise of national sovereignty.

National sovereignty 'kokka shuken'.

技術的特異点の到来は、人間性の定義そのものを脅かすかもしれない。

The arrival of the technological singularity might threaten the very definition of humanity.

Singularity 'gijutsu-teki tokuiten'.

その歴史的修正主義は、戦後秩序の正当性を脅かす危うさを孕んでいる。

That historical revisionism harbors a danger that threatens the legitimacy of the post-war order.

Revisionism 'shuusei shugi'.

資源の枯渇は、文明の持続可能性を根底から脅かしている。

The depletion of resources is threatening the sustainability of civilization from its roots.

Depletion 'kokatsu'.

権威主義の台頭が、リベラルな国際秩序を脅かしている事実は否めない。

The fact that the rise of authoritarianism is threatening the liberal international order cannot be denied.

Authoritarianism 'ken'ishugi'.

言語の消滅は、人類の知的遺産の多様性を脅かす静かな危機である。

The extinction of languages is a quiet crisis threatening the diversity of humanity's intellectual heritage.

Intellectual heritage 'chiteki isan'.

자주 쓰는 조합

平和を脅かす

地位を脅かす

安全を脅かす

健康を脅かす

生存を脅かす

生活を脅かす

秩序を脅かす

未来を脅かす

権利を脅かす

安定を脅かす

자주 쓰는 구문

地位を脅かされる

— To have one's position or status threatened by someone else.

若手の台頭で、ベテランの地位が脅かされている。

平和な暮らしを脅かす

— To disturb or endanger a peaceful way of life.

騒音問題が、私たちの平和な暮らしを脅かしている。

生態系を脅かす

— To threaten the delicate balance of the natural environment.

外来種が、地元の生態系を脅かしている。

民主主義を脅かす

— To pose a threat to the principles or practice of democracy.

報道の規制は民主主義を脅かす行為だ。

安全保障を脅かす

— To threaten the security of a nation or region.

ミサイル発射は地域の安全保障を脅かす。

個人のプライバシーを脅かす

— To endanger or compromise someone's personal privacy.

SNSの普及がプライバシーを脅かしている。

市場シェアを脅かす

— To threaten a company's portion of the market.

新製品が競合他社の市場シェアを脅かした。

伝統文化を脅かす

— To put traditional culture at risk of disappearing.

近代化が古い伝統文化を脅かしている。

人類の存続を脅かす

— To threaten the very existence of the human race.

未知のウイルスが人類の存続を脅かす事態となった。

自由を脅かす

— To endanger the freedom of individuals or groups.

監視社会は私たちの自由を脅かす。

자주 혼동되는 단어

脅かす vs 脅かす (odorokasu)

Same kanji, but means 'to surprise'. Reading is different.

脅かす vs 脅す (odosu)

Direct threat to a person vs. abstract threat to a state.

脅かす vs 脅迫する (kyouhaku suru)

Legal term for intimidation/blackmail.

관용어 및 표현

"地位を脅かす"

— Used metaphorically to describe a situation where a newcomer is performing so well they might take a veteran's spot.

彼はエースの地位を脅かす存在になった。

Common

"土台を脅かす"

— To threaten the foundation or basis of something.

不祥事が組織の土台を脅かした。

Formal

"根底から脅かす"

— To threaten something from its very roots/bottom.

その理論は、科学の常識を根底から脅かした。

Formal

"生存権を脅かす"

— To threaten the basic right to live/survive.

極度の貧困は生存権を脅かす。

Academic/Legal

"平穏を脅かす"

— To disturb the peace and quiet of a place or mind.

そのニュースは街の平穏を脅かした。

Literary

"権威を脅かす"

— To challenge or threaten someone's authority.

彼の反論は教授の権威を脅かした。

Formal

"均衡を脅かす"

— To threaten the balance of a system.

軍拡競争が地域の均衡を脅かしている。

Formal

"アイデンティティを脅かす"

— To threaten someone's sense of self or identity.

異文化への同化は、個人のアイデンティティを脅かすことがある。

Academic

"既得権益を脅かす"

— To threaten vested interests or established privileges.

規制緩和は、一部の企業の既得権益を脅かす。

Formal/Political

"城下を脅かす"

— Literally 'to threaten the castle town'; used to mean bringing a threat right to someone's home ground.

敵軍が城下を脅かす事態となった。

Historical/Literary

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脅かす vs 脅す (odosu)

Similar meaning and kanji.

'Odosu' is used for direct, verbal, or physical threats to a person to scare them. 'Obiyakasu' is used for abstract threats to a situation or status.

金を出せと脅す (To threaten 'give me money'). 平和を脅かす (To threaten peace).

脅かす vs 驚かす (odorokasu)

Same kanji and similar sound.

'Odorokasu' means to surprise someone, like a prank. It is not serious. 'Obiyakasu' is a serious threat.

友達を驚かす (To surprise a friend). 地位を脅かす (To threaten a position).

脅かす vs 危うめる (ayaumeru)

Synonyms in formal contexts.

'Ayaumeru' is more literary and specifically means to jeopardize the existence of something. 'Obiyakasu' is broader and more common in news.

命を危うめる (To jeopardize a life).

脅かす vs 威嚇する (ikaku suru)

Both involve threats.

'Ikaku' is a show of force to prevent action (like a dog growling). 'Obiyakasu' is the state of something being in danger.

空砲で威嚇する (To threaten with a blank shot).

脅かす vs 脅える (obieru)

Same kanji root.

'Obieru' is the intransitive verb for the person feeling afraid. 'Obiyakasu' is the transitive verb for the thing causing the threat.

雷に脅える (To be frightened by thunder).

문장 패턴

[A] が [B] を脅かしている。

不況が生活を脅かしている。

[B] が [A] に脅かされている。

平和が戦争に脅かされている。

[A] は [B] を脅かす恐れがある。

その法案は自由を脅かす恐れがある。

[A] は [B] を脅かしかねない。

彼の発言は団結を脅かしかねない。

[A] が [B] を根底から脅かす。

新発見が定説を根底から脅かす。

[A] は [B] を脅かす要因となっている。

格差は社会の安定を脅かす要因となっている。

[A] が [B] の正当性を脅かす。

修正主義が歴史の正当性を脅かす。

[A] は [B] を脅かす静かな危機である。

少子化は国の未来を脅かす静かな危機である。

어휘 가족

명사

脅威 (kyoui - threat/menace)

脅迫 (kyouhaku - intimidation/blackmail)

威嚇 (ikaku - threat/menace)

동사

脅す (odosu - to threaten/scare)

脅える (obieru - to be frightened)

脅やかす (obiyakasu - to threaten/endanger)

형용사

脅威的な (kyouiteki-na - threatening/menacing)

사용법

frequency

High in news, business, and literature. Medium in daily conversation.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'obiyakasu' for a physical jump-scare. → 驚かす (odorokasu)
'Obiyakasu' is for serious threats to stability. 'Odorokasu' is for startling someone.
Using the particle 'ni' for the object. → ～を脅かす
It is a transitive verb, so it must take 'o'.
Using 'obiyakasu' to mean blackmailing a person for money. → 脅す (odosu) or 脅迫する (kyouhaku suru)
'Obiyakasu' is for abstract situations. 'Odosu' is for personal threats.
Reading the kanji as 'obiyakasu' in a birthday context. → 驚かす (odorokasu)
Always check if the context is positive/surprising or negative/threatening.
Using it for minor threats like 'The rain threatened my walk'. → 雨が降りそうだ (It looks like rain).
'Obiyakasu' is usually reserved for serious, high-stakes threats.

팁

Pair with Abstract Nouns

Always try to use this word with abstract nouns like 'peace', 'safety', or 'rights' to sound natural.

Master the Passive

In news articles, the passive 'obiyakasarete-iru' is extremely common. Practice recognizing it.

Kanji Breakdown

Remember the three 'power' (力) radicals. It represents 'overwhelming power' threatening someone.

Tone Matters

Use a serious, flat tone when saying 'obiyakasu'. It is not a lighthearted word.

Obiyakasu vs Odosu

If a person is the object, use 'odosu'. If a situation is the object, use 'obiyakasu'.

Context Clues

If you see 'surprise' (びっくり) in the same sentence, the reading is 'odorokasu'.

Corporate Use

Use it to describe competitors 'threatening' your company's market position.

Eco-speak

This is a key word for discussing climate change and its 'threat' to the planet.

Big Yak Mnemonic

Remember: A Big Yak (obiyaka) is suing (su) you! It's a formal threat.

JLPT Prep

This word frequently appears in the 'Contextual Usage' part of the JLPT.

암기하기

기억법

O-BI-YAKA-SU: Imagine a BIG YAK (YAKA) trying to SUE (SU) you. It's a formal threat to your position!

시각적 연상

Visualize a stable bridge (peace/status) with a giant crack appearing in it. The crack is 'obiyakasu'.

Word Web

Threat Endanger Peace Status Safety Formal Transitive Jeopardize

챌린지

Write three sentences about things that threaten the world today (climate, war, AI) using 'obiyakasu' and post them in a study group.

어원

The verb 'obiyakasu' comes from the root word 'obiyu' (modern 'obieru'), which means 'to be frightened' or 'to tremble with fear'. The 'akasu' suffix is a causative-like ending that turns the state into an action performed on others.

원래 의미: To cause someone to tremble or to put them in a state of fear.

Japonic / Old Japanese.

문화적 맥락

Be careful using this word about individuals; it sounds very dramatic and formal, almost like a news report.

In English, we often use 'threaten' for both scaring a person and endangering a situation. In Japanese, you must split these between 'odosu' and 'obiyakasu'.

Used in NHK News specials regarding 'Climate Crisis' (Kikou Kiki). Commonly found in the Preamble of the Japanese Constitution (regarding peace). Appears in 'Shin Godzilla' regarding the threat to national security.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

News/Politics

世界の安定を脅かす
安全保障を脅かす
民主主義を脅かす
平和を脅かす行為

Business

市場シェアを脅かす
地位を脅かすライバル
存続を脅かす危機
雇用を脅かすAI

Environment

生態系を脅かす
生存を脅かす汚染
未来を脅かす温暖化
自然を脅かす開発

Health

健康を脅かす習慣
命を脅かす病気
安全を脅かすウイルス
精神を脅かすストレス

Social Issues

生活を脅かす物価高
プライバシーを脅かす
自由を脅かす監視
権利を脅かす差別

대화 시작하기

"AIは将来、私たちの仕事を脅かすと思いますか？"

"最近の物価高は、あなたの生活を脅かしていますか？"

"環境破壊が地球の未来を脅かしていることについて、どう思いますか？"

"SNSは個人のプライバシーを脅かす存在だと思いますか？"

"あなたの会社で、新しい技術が既存の地位を脅かしている例はありますか？"

일기 주제

今の社会で、最も平和を脅かしているものは何だと思いますか？その理由を書いてください。

自分の健康を脅かしている悪い習慣について、どのように改善したいか書いてください。

もし自分の地位が誰かに脅かされたら、あなたならどう対処しますか？

新しい技術が私たちの生活を脅かす可能性と、便利にする可能性について比較してください。

「自由を脅かすもの」をテーマに、自分の考えを日本語でまとめてください。

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, in 99% of cases, it refers to threatening something positive like peace, health, or a job. It implies that a good state is being ruined or put at risk.

Yes, if you read it as 'odorokasu'. But in modern Japanese, '驚かす' is more commonly used for 'surprise' to avoid confusion with 'obiyakasu' (threaten).

Yes, especially in serious or psychological anime. A villain might say they will 'obiyakasu' the world's order.

'Kyouhaku' is specifically 'intimidation' or 'blackmail', often a crime. 'Obiyakasu' is more about the 'danger' posed to a situation, like the economy.

It sounds a bit too formal and dramatic for a picnic. It's better to say 'Ame de pikunikku ga chuushi ni nari-sou' (The picnic might be cancelled due to rain).

Look at the context. If the object is 'peace', 'safety', or 'status', read it as 'obiyakasu'. If it's a person jumping out to say 'Boo!', it's 'odorokasu'.

Yes, it often appears in the JLPT N2 and N1 levels, both in reading comprehension and vocabulary sections.

Only metaphorically in sports or business, like a 'threat' to a world record. But the record holder wouldn't see it as positive!

It is a transitive verb, so use the particle 'o' (を) for the object being threatened.

The noun form 'obiyakashi' exists but is rare. Usually, people use 'kyoui' (threat) instead.

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