Translation guide
The English word 'crisis' can refer to a dangerous or difficult situation, a turning point, or a critical phase. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 危機 (kiki), but other words and expressions are used depending on the context, such as economic crises, personal emergencies, or decisive moments.
A time of intense difficulty, danger, or trouble, often on a large scale.
The most direct and common translation for 'crisis', used for serious situations in politics, economy, environment, etc.
世界は深刻な環境危機に直面している。
The world is facing a serious environmental crisis.
その国は経済危機に陥った。
The country fell into an economic crisis.
Refers to a state of emergency or extraordinary situation, often used in official contexts.
政府は非常事態を宣言した。
The government declared a state of emergency.
Emphasizes urgency, similar to 'emergency situation'. Often used in disaster or medical contexts.
病院は緊急事態に備えている。
The hospital is prepared for an emergency situation.
A difficult situation or predicament, often used in political or business contexts.
首相は難局を乗り切ろうとしている。
The prime minister is trying to overcome the crisis.
A time when an important decision must be made, or a critical phase in a process.
Literally 'fork in the road', used for a decisive moment or turning point.
今が成功と失敗の分かれ目だ。
Now is the turning point between success and failure.
A critical moment where one's true ability is tested; a make-or-break situation.
A brink or verge, often used for a critical juncture where the outcome hangs in the balance.
Also used for a turning point, especially in the sense of a critical phase in an illness or process.
病気は危機を脱した。
The illness has passed the crisis.
A time of intense personal difficulty, emotional turmoil, or identity crisis.
Literally 'life crisis', used for midlife crises or major personal upheavals.
彼は人生の危機を迎えている。
He is going through a life crisis.
Psychological or mental crisis.
彼女は精神的危機に陥っている。
She is in a mental crisis.
Loanword for 'identity crisis', used in psychological contexts.
若者はしばしばアイデンティティ・クライシスを経験する。
Young people often experience an identity crisis.
In English, 'crisis' can be used hyperbolically for minor problems (e.g., 'I'm having a hair crisis!'). In Japanese, 危機 (kiki) sounds very serious and is not used lightly. For minor troubles, use 困ったこと (komatta koto) or ピンチ (pinchi).
危機 (kiki) is a formal, serious crisis. ピンチ (pinchi) is a casual loanword from English 'pinch', often used in sports or everyday difficulties (e.g., 'ピンチを切り抜ける' - to get out of a tight spot). Use ピンチ for less severe, personal predicaments.
その会社は危機に瀕している。
The company is in crisis.
この危機を慎重に管理する必要がある。
We need to manage this crisis carefully.
ここが正念場だ。頑張ろう。
This is the critical moment. Let's do our best.
彼は生死の瀬戸際に立たされた。
He was brought to the brink of life and death.