Translation and Meaning of: 脅かす - odokasu

The Japanese word 脅かす (おどかす) carries interesting nuances that go beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about unique expressions, understanding 脅かす can enrich your vocabulary and prevent misunderstandings in real conversations.

In addition to uncovering the literal translation, let's dive into practical examples and cultural curiosities that show how this word is perceived by native speakers. Suki Nihongo, your favorite Japanese dictionary, has gathered here everything you need to know about 脅かす — from its writing in kanji to tips for memorizing it for good.

Meaning and use of 脅かす

The verb 脅かす (おどかす) is often translated as "to threaten" or "to intimidate," but its meaning can vary depending on the context. It describes actions such as deliberately scaring someone, using words or gestures to instill fear, or even applying psychological pressure. For example, an anime character might 脅かす another with a prank, but the same word can appear in more serious situations, such as in arguments.

It is worth noting that 脅かす is not limited to physical threats. In Japan, it is commonly used to describe subtle pressures, such as a boss intimidating subordinates with glances or insinuations. This flexibility causes the word to appear in various scenarios, from informal conversations to professional or legal contexts.

The origin and the kanji of 脅かす

The word 脅かす combines two revealing kanjis. The first, 脅 (kyou), means "threat" or "coercion" and appears in other words like 脅迫 (kyouhaku, "blackmail"). The second, かす, is the auxiliary verb that indicates action. Together, they form a visual representation of the act of pressuring someone — whether through words, gestures, or presence.

Interestingly, the kanji 脅 is composed of the radical for "strength" (力) and an element that suggests "repetition," reinforcing the idea of constant pressure. This etymology helps to understand why the word carries a more serious tone than simple momentary scares. Dictionaries such as 漢字源 confirm this construction, showing how Japanese ideograms often tell stories through their very form.

How to memorize and practice 脅かす

An effective tip to 脅かす is to associate it with specific situations. Imagine scenes where someone is intimidated — like in police dramas or even in mangas. This contextualization helps the brain create stronger connections than just repeating the word in isolation. Another strategy is to practice with short sentences, like "彼は冗談で私を脅かした" (He scared me as a joke).

For those who use apps like Anki, creating cards with real examples (extracted from articles or dialogues) can be more useful than just loose translations. The average frequency of use of 脅かす in everyday Japanese is moderate — it is not as common as basic verbs, but it appears often enough to be worth learning, especially if you consume Japanese media or plan to work in the country.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 脅迫する (kyōhaku suru) - Blackmailing, threatening with coercion.
• 脅す (odosu) - To threaten, to intimidate with the intention of instilling fear.
• 威嚇する (ikaku suru) - Intimidate, threaten to show power or superiority.
• 脅迫する (kyōhaku suru) - Blackmailing, threatening with coercion.
• 威圧する (iatsu suru) - Coerce or intimidate through a dominant posture.
• 威嚇する (ikaku suru) - Intimidate, threaten to show power or superiority.
• 脅かす (odokasu) - Threaten or scare in a way that causes alarm.
• 脅迫する (kyōhaku suru) - Blackmailing, threatening with coercion.
• 威圧する (iatsu suru) - Coerce or intimidate through a dominant posture.
• 威嚇する (ikaku suru) - Intimidate, threaten to show power or superiority.
• 脅す (odosu) - To threaten, to intimidate with the intention of instilling fear.
• 威圧する (iatsu suru) - Coerce or intimidate through a dominant posture.
• 威嚇する (ikaku suru) - Intimidate, threaten to show power or superiority.