Translation guide
The English word 'alarm' covers devices that warn of danger, the feeling of fear or anxiety, and the act of warning someone. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A device that makes a loud noise to warn of danger or an emergency.
General term for an alarm or warning signal, often used in compounds.
火災警報が鳴った。
The fire alarm went off.
警報システムを設置する。
Install an alarm system.
Loanword from English, commonly used for alarms in general, including alarm clocks.
Specifically refers to the physical alarm device.
A clock that wakes you up or reminds you at a set time.
The standard word for an alarm clock.
目覚まし時計をセットする。
Set the alarm clock.
目覚まし時計が鳴らなかった。
The alarm clock didn't go off.
Short for 目覚まし時計, very common in casual speech.
Also used for alarm clock, especially in the context of smartphone alarms.
A sudden feeling of fear or worry, often about a possible danger.
General feeling of unease or anxiety, often used when 'alarm' means worry.
その知らせを聞いて不安になった。
I felt alarm at the news.
Vigilance or alertness against danger, closer to 'alarm' as a state of being on guard.
Surprise or shock, sometimes used when 'alarm' implies a startled reaction.
The act of making someone aware of danger or a problem.
To warn or caution someone, often used for giving an alarm about a specific threat.
彼らは危険を警告した。
They sounded the alarm about the danger.
To issue an alarm or warning, often used for official alerts.
気象庁が警報を出した。
The meteorological agency issued an alarm.
When 'alarm' means a feeling of fear or anxiety, avoid direct translations like 警報. Use 不安 or 警戒 instead.
彼の表情に不安を感じた。
I felt alarm at his expression.
警報 is the native Japanese word for warning alarms (fire, earthquake). アラーム is a loanword often used for alarm clocks, smartphone alarms, and general alert sounds. In formal or official contexts, 警報 is preferred.
アラームが鳴り響いた。
The alarm rang out.
警報機が故障している。
The alarm is broken.
明日の朝、目覚ましかけて。
Set the alarm for tomorrow morning.
スマホのアラームを止める。
Stop the smartphone alarm.
住民は警戒を強めた。
The residents heightened their alarm.
彼女は驚きの声をあげた。
She cried out in alarm.