Translation and Meaning of: 脅す - odosu

The Japanese word 脅す[おどす] is a verb that carries a strong and specific meaning, often associated with situations of intimidation or threat. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding the use and context of this expression can be essential to avoid misunderstandings. In this article, we will explore the meaning of おどす, its origin, how it is perceived in Japan, and practical tips to memorize it.

In addition to uncovering the literal translation, we will also explore how this word appears in everyday life, its frequency of use, and even examples that can assist in learning. If you're looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your knowledge, Suki Nihongo offers detailed explanations about like this, making the study of Japanese more accessible.

Meaning and usage of 脅す [おどす]

The verb 脅す[おどす] means "to threaten" or "to intimidate," indicating an action of pressuring someone through fear or coercion. Unlike lighter words like "to warn" or "to alert," おどす has a negative connotation, often linked to situations of psychological or physical violence. For example, a character in an anime might use this word when trying to scare someone to gain an advantage.

In Japan, the use of おどす is not common in everyday conversations, as it is a term laden with hostility. It appears more in specific contexts, such as news about crimes, police dramas, or discussions about bullying. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize it, even if you do not need to use it frequently.

Origin and writing of the kanji 脅

The kanji 脅 is composed of two main elements: the radical for "meat" (月) and the component suggesting "pressure" or "force." This combination reinforces the idea of something that causes fear or submission. The origin of the character dates back to ancient Chinese, where it already carried the sense of threat, showing how its meaning has remained consistent over the centuries.

An interesting fact is that, although the kanji 脅 may seem complex, it is not one of the most difficult to memorize. Japanese students often associate it with dangerous situations, which helps solidify its meaning. If you are learning, a tip is to practice writing it repeatedly and create sentences that use the verb in clear contexts, such as "彼はナイフで脅した" (He threatened with a knife).

How 脅す is perceived in Japanese culture?

In Japan, where social harmony is highly valued, aggressive attitudes such as threatening someone are strongly condemned. Therefore, おどす is not a word that is frequently heard in daily conversations. Its use tends to be more common in legal contexts, reports, or fictional works involving conflicts.

It is worth noting that, even in animes or mangas, when a character resorts to おどす, it is usually to portray villains or tense situations. This reflects how the Japanese language associates this expression with undesirable behaviors. For those studying the language, understanding this cultural nuance is as important as knowing the translation of the word.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 脅す

• 脅す - base form
• 脅さない - Negative
• 脅します - polished
• 脅しています - continuous
• 脅せば - conditional

Synonyms and similar words

• 脅かす (Odokasu) - Threaten, scare.
• 脅迫する (Kyōhaku suru) - Coerce, threaten (with the intention of obtaining something).
• 脅かしめる (Odokashimeru) - Make someone feel fear or anxiety.
• 脅す (Odosu) - Threaten; often in a general context.
• 脅し (Odoshi) - Threat; act of threatening.
• 脅し取る (Odoshitoru) - Extract something through threats.
• 脅し上手 (Odoshi jōzu) - Skilled at threatening; someone who is good at intimidating others.
• 脅し文句 (Odoshi monku) - Threatening phrases; words used to intimidate.
• 脅し屋 (Odoshi-ya) - Threatening; someone who frequently makes threats.
• 脅し取り (Odoshitori) - Coercion; the act of obtaining something through threat.
• 脅し役 (Odoshi-yaku) - The role of the bully; someone who plays the role of intimidating.
• 脅し文句を言う (Odoshi monku o iu) - Make threats; say threatening phrases.
• 脅し文句を吐く (Odoshi monku o haku) - Make threats; express threats verbally.
• 脅し文句を言われる (Odoshi monku o iwareru) - To be threatened; to receive threats.
• 脅し文句を吐かれる (Odoshi monku o hakareru) - Being forced to hear threats.
• 脅し文句を言わせる (Odoshi monku o iwaseru) - Forcing someone to make threats; inducing someone to threaten.
• 脅し文句を吐かせる (Odoshi monku o hakaseru) - Make someone make threats.
• 脅し文句を使う (Odoshi monku o tsukau) - Usar frases de ameaça; intimidate using specific words.
• 脅し文句を駆使する (Odoshi monku o kushi suru) - Master the use of verbal threats; be experienced in threatening.
• 脅し文句を使いこなす (Odoshi monku o tsukaikonasu) - Use threats with great skill.