In 15 Seconds
- An official or serious way to signal danger.
- Used by authorities, news, or in serious personal situations.
- Stronger and more formal than a simple 'be careful'.
Meaning
It means to officially or seriously announce a danger or a problem before it happens. Think of it as sounding an alarm or giving a formal 'heads up' when things are getting risky.
Key Examples
3 of 6A news report about a storm
気象庁が大型の台風に対して警告を発した。
The Meteorological Agency issued a warning for a large typhoon.
A boss talking about a project
部長は予算の使いすぎに警告を発している。
The manager is issuing a warning about overspending the budget.
A friend warning another about a bad relationship
彼には悪い噂があるから、彼女に警告を発しておいたよ。
He has some bad rumors, so I issued a warning to her.
Cultural Background
In Japan, the 'J-Alert' system frequently uses this terminology to warn citizens about earthquakes or missiles. This has made the phrase part of the collective consciousness as a signal to take immediate action. It also appears frequently in corporate 'compliance' culture, where formal warnings are a key part of HR procedures.
The 'Serious Friend' Move
Using this with friends makes you sound like a concerned older sibling. It adds weight to your advice.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every little thing, people will think you're being overly dramatic or stiff.
In 15 Seconds
- An official or serious way to signal danger.
- Used by authorities, news, or in serious personal situations.
- Stronger and more formal than a simple 'be careful'.
What It Means
It’s the official way to say 'Hey, something bad is coming.' It’s not just a casual comment over lunch. It’s a formal signal of danger, trouble, or a violation of rules. When you use this, people stop and listen because it sounds serious. It’s like the difference between saying 'Watch out' and 'Official Warning Issued.'
How To Use It
You usually see it as [Person/Org] が [Target] に 警告を発する. The verb 発する (hassuru) means to emit or send out. It feels like a signal being broadcasted. In daily life, you might use it when a situation has reached a breaking point. It’s very common in news reports and professional settings.
When To Use It
Use it for weather alerts like typhoons or tsunamis. It’s perfect for business meetings when a project is heading for a cliff. You can also use it with friends if they are about to make a massive mistake. If a smoke detector goes off, it is 警告を発している. It’s about high-stakes situations.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny things. If your friend is about to eat a spicy pepper, don't say this. It’s too dramatic for that. Using it for minor social slips makes you sound like a robot or a police officer. Keep it for when the consequences actually matter. Nobody likes a friend who 'issues a warning' about a mismatched sock.
Cultural Background
Japan is a country of natural disasters. Because of this, the phrase is everywhere in the media. From the 'J-Alert' system on phones to loudspeaker announcements, people are primed to react to this phrase. It reflects a culture that values preparedness and clear communication of collective risk. It’s a word that carries the weight of public safety.
Common Variations
警告を出す (keikoku o dasu) is a bit more common and slightly less stiff. 警告を与える (keikoku o ataeru) is what a referee does in a soccer match. If you want to sound like a news anchor, stick with 警告を発する. If you're just telling a buddy to be careful, 注意する (chuui suru) is your best bet.
Usage Notes
This is a formal/neutral collocation. It is most at home in news, business, and official announcements. Avoid using it for trivial matters unless you are trying to be funny.
The 'Serious Friend' Move
Using this with friends makes you sound like a concerned older sibling. It adds weight to your advice.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every little thing, people will think you're being overly dramatic or stiff.
The J-Alert Sound
In Japan, this phrase is often accompanied by a specific, chilling chime on cellphones. It's designed to get attention instantly!
Examples
6気象庁が大型の台風に対して警告を発した。
The Meteorological Agency issued a warning for a large typhoon.
This is the most standard, textbook use of the phrase.
部長は予算の使いすぎに警告を発している。
The manager is issuing a warning about overspending the budget.
Used here to show the boss is seriously concerned.
彼には悪い噂があるから、彼女に警告を発しておいたよ。
He has some bad rumors, so I issued a warning to her.
Using it with friends adds a layer of 'I'm being dead serious.'
このメール、ウイルスかも！みんなに警告を発しとくね。
This email might be a virus! I'm issuing a warning to everyone.
A bit dramatic for a text, but works for urgent tech issues.
宿題をやらないなら、おやつ禁止の警告を発します！
If you don't do your homework, I'm issuing a 'no-snack' warning!
The formality of the phrase makes the mother's threat sound funny.
不審者が入ると、センサーが警告を発する仕組みです。
The system is set up so the sensor issues a warning if an intruder enters.
Describes a mechanical or automated action.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to indicate who the warning is being issued to.
政府は国民___警告を発した。
The particle `に` is used to indicate the recipient or target of the warning.
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form.
審判が選手に警告を___。
While `与えた` (gave) is also common for sports, `発した` (issued) works perfectly for an official action.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Giving Warnings
Just a friendly heads-up.
気をつけて (Ki o tsukete)
Standard advice or caution.
注意する (Chuui suru)
Official or serious warning.
警告を発する (Keikoku o hassuru)
Common Contexts for 警告を発する
Natural Disasters
Tsunami alerts on TV
Cyber Security
Antivirus pop-ups
Workplace
Formal HR reprimands
Public Safety
Police announcements
Practice Bank
2 exercises政府は国民___警告を発した。
The particle `に` is used to indicate the recipient or target of the warning.
審判が選手に警告を___。
While `与えた` (gave) is also common for sports, `発した` (issued) works perfectly for an official action.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsMostly, yes. However, 警告を発する sounds more like an official 'issuing' of a statement, whereas 警告する is the general act of warning someone.
Technically yes, but sports commentators usually say 警告を与える (keikoku o ataeru) or just イエローカード.
Yes, if you are highlighting a serious risk to a project or a breach of contract. It’s very professional.
注意 (chuui) is like 'caution' or 'attention.' 警告 (keikoku) is a 'warning' and implies much higher stakes or danger.
Yes! You can say アラームが警告を発した (The alarm issued a warning).
Actually, for spoilers, Japanese people usually say ネタバレ注意 (netabare chuui). 警告 would be too intense for a movie plot!
All the time! Especially in sci-fi or action games when a boss is approaching or the base is under attack.
Yes, it almost exclusively refers to negative outcomes, dangers, or violations.
Yes, a doctor might 警告を発する if a patient's lifestyle is becoming dangerously unhealthy.
Try 警告を出す (keikoku o dasu). It’s slightly less 'official' sounding but still serious.
You use に for the person being warned, and を for the warning itself. For example: 彼に警告を発する.
Yes, it is a standard term for formal legal notices or cease-and-desist type warnings.
Related Phrases
注意を促す
to call for attention/caution
忠告する
to advise/warn (usually personal advice)
アラートを出す
to put out an alert
釘を刺す
to give a warning to prevent future issues (idiom)
