How to Say "Menace" in Japanese

脅威

kyōi[kʲo̞ːi]

The English word "menace" can be translated into Japanese as 脅威 (kyōi).

脅威 refers to a perceived threat or danger. It is used to convey the idea of a serious and significant threat.

Meaning: perceived threat or danger (noun)

How do you pronounce it?

kyōi

The kanji 脅 in 脅威 refers to the 'throat' or 'neck' area, reflecting an ancient sense of grabbing someone by the throat to intimidate them.
In modern Japanese internet slang, the word 脅威 is sometimes used hyperbolically to describe someone with an overwhelmingly impressive skill set, treating their talent as a 'menace' to others.
Japanese has a concept called 脅し (odoshi), which refers specifically to a threat made via blackmail or intimidation, rather than a general state of danger like 脅威.

最近、国際的なテロの脅威が増しています。
Recently, the international terrorist menace has been increasing.
あのグループが騒いでいるの、すごく迷惑だよ。
That group making all that noise is really bothersome.
自然災害は常に大きな脅威です。
Shizen saigai wa tsune ni ookina kyoui desu.
Natural disasters are always a great threat.
そのウイルスは人類にとっての脅威だ。
Sono uirusu wa jinrui ni totte no kyoui da.
That virus is a threat to humanity.
彼は経済的な脅威となる存在だ。
Kare wa keizaiteki na kyoui to naru sonzai da.
He is an existence that poses an economic threat.

Two colleagues are discussing a new security concern at work.

美咲 Misaki

新しいサイバー攻撃は大きな脅威ですね。
Atarashii saibaa kougeki wa ookina kyoui desu ne.
The new cyber attacks are a big threat, aren't they?
大翔 Hiroto

はい、対策を急がないといけません。
Hai, taisaku o isoganai to ikemasen.
Yes, we must hurry with our countermeasures.
美咲 Misaki

大翔さんは何か案がありますか？
Hiroto-san wa nanika an ga arimasu ka?
Hiroto, do you have any ideas?
大翔 Hiroto

まずはシステムの強化が必要です。
Mazu wa shisutemu no kyouka ga hitsuyou desu.
First, we need to strengthen the system.

Sources

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