Translation guide
The English word 'panic' can be a noun or a verb. In Japanese, it is expressed through nouns, verbs, and phrases that convey sudden fear, loss of control, or chaos. The most common equivalent is パニック, a loanword used widely in modern Japanese. For more natural or nuanced expressions, native Japanese terms like 慌てる (to panic, to be flustered) or 恐怖 (fear, terror) are used depending on context.
To refer to a state of sudden, intense fear or anxiety that causes irrational behavior or loss of control.
The most direct and common translation. Used in both casual and formal contexts for a state of panic, including psychological panic attacks.
地震の後、街はパニックに陥った。
After the earthquake, the city fell into a panic.
彼女はパニック発作を起こした。
She had a panic attack.
Refers to a large-scale panic, often economic (e.g., financial panic) or widespread social panic. More formal and less common in everyday speech.
1929年の世界恐慌は多くの国に影響を与えた。
The Great Depression of 1929 affected many countries.
Means 'fear' or 'terror'. It can be used to describe the feeling of panic, but it lacks the sense of chaotic behavior. Often used in phrases like 恐怖にかられる (to be seized with fear).
彼は恐怖で動けなくなった。
He was paralyzed with fear.
To describe the action of panicking, becoming flustered, or losing composure due to fear or stress.
The most common verb for 'to panic' in the sense of becoming flustered, rushing, or losing one's cool. It implies a visible loss of composure.
試験中に慌ててしまった。
I panicked during the exam.
慌てないで、落ち着いてください。
Don't panic, please calm down.
A very common phrase meaning 'to get into a panic'. It directly uses the loanword パニック and is natural in conversation.
火事だと聞いて、みんなパニックになった。
When they heard there was a fire, everyone panicked.
Means to be flustered, bewildered, or lose one's presence of mind. Slightly more formal or literary than 慌てる.
Means to lose one's composure, to be upset, or to be thrown into confusion. Often used when someone is visibly distressed and not thinking clearly.
To describe a situation where a group of people suddenly become frightened and act chaotically, such as a stampede or bank run.
Used for any mass panic situation, such as a crowd stampede or a rush to buy goods.
出口でパニックが起き、けが人が出た。
A panic broke out at the exit, and people were injured.
Means 'confusion' or 'chaos'. It can describe a panicked state but is broader and less specifically about fear.
To refer specifically to a panic attack as a medical or psychological symptom.
The standard medical term for a panic attack.
彼はパニック発作の治療を受けている。
He is receiving treatment for panic attacks.
慌てる is a native Japanese verb that describes the act of becoming flustered or panicking in everyday situations. パニックになる is a more direct equivalent of 'to panic' and often implies a stronger, more chaotic reaction. Use 慌てる for mild panic or rushing, and パニックになる for intense, uncontrollable panic.
遅刻しそうで慌てた。
I panicked because I was about to be late.
火災報知器が鳴ってパニックになった。
I panicked when the fire alarm went off.
Using パニック for small everyday mistakes (like forgetting your keys) can sound overly dramatic. In such cases, 慌てる or 焦る (to be in a hurry, to feel rushed) are more natural.
慌てないで！大丈夫だから。
Don't panic! Everything will be fine.
爆発音を聞いて、群衆はパニックになった。
The crowd panicked when they heard the explosion.
彼は突然の質問にうろたえた。
He was thrown into a panic by the sudden question.
彼女は悲しみのあまり取り乱した。
She was so overcome with grief that she panicked.
停電で会場は大混乱になった。
The blackout caused mass panic in the venue.
Panic disorder, the condition characterized by recurrent panic attacks.
パニック障害は適切な治療で改善します。
Panic disorder can improve with proper treatment.