Translation guide
The English word "danger" refers to the possibility of harm, risk, or a hazardous situation. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 危険 (kiken), but other words and expressions are used depending on the nuance, such as threat, crisis, or peril. This guide covers the main ways to express "danger" in Japanese, from general warnings to formal and literary terms.
Expressing that something is dangerous, risky, or unsafe in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for "danger." Can be used as a noun or na-adjective. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
ここは危険です。
This place is dangerous.
危険を感じたら逃げてください。
If you sense danger, please run away.
An i-adjective meaning "dangerous" or "risky." More colloquial than 危険 and often used in everyday warnings.
危ない！車が来る！
Watch out! A car is coming!
その橋は危ないから渡らないで。
That bridge is dangerous, so don't cross it.
An i-adjective meaning "dangerous," "critical," or "close to danger." Often implies a precarious situation or a narrow escape. More literary or formal than 危ない.
危ういところで助かった。
I was saved at the last moment (lit. in a dangerous situation).
Referring to something that poses a danger, often with a nuance of threat or harm.
Means "threat" or "menace." Used for dangers that are intimidating or pose a serious risk, such as natural disasters, enemies, or abstract threats.
テロは世界の脅威です。
Terrorism is a threat to the world.
新しいウイルスが脅威となっている。
The new virus has become a threat.
A verb meaning "to threaten" or "to endanger." Often used when something jeopardizes safety, peace, or stability.
Describing a situation of imminent danger or a critical state.
Means "crisis" or "critical situation." Used for moments of acute danger, such as financial crises, life-threatening situations, or turning points.
彼は危機を乗り越えた。
He overcame the crisis.
経済危機が深刻化している。
The economic crisis is deepening.
Means "emergency" or "state of emergency." Used in official contexts for disasters, accidents, or other urgent dangers.
Expressing danger in a more formal, literary, or dramatic way.
A formal or literary term for "danger" or "peril." Often used in set phrases like 危殆に瀕する (to be on the verge of danger). Rare in everyday speech.
国家が危殆に瀕している。
The nation is in peril.
Means "harm" or "injury," often used in legal or formal contexts to refer to danger that results in damage or injury.
危険 (kiken) is a noun/na-adjective and sounds more formal or objective. 危ない (abunai) is an i-adjective and is more colloquial, often used in spoken warnings. For example, a sign might say 危険 (Danger), but a person would shout 危ない！ (Watch out!).
English often uses 'danger' in verb phrases like 'to be in danger' or 'to endanger.' In Japanese, these are expressed with different constructions: 危険にさらされる (to be exposed to danger), 危険に陥る (to fall into danger), or 脅かす (to endanger). Avoid directly translating 'danger' as a verb.
その事件は国の安全を脅かした。
The incident threatened national security.
政府は非常事態を宣言した。
The government declared a state of emergency.
There was no intention to cause harm.