威胁安全

This phrase usually acts as a verb phrase. You can say 'Subject + 威胁 + Object's + 安全'. For example, 'Bad weather 威胁 our 安全'. It sounds serious but is very common. You'll see it in news reports and safety manuals. You can also use it when complaining to a landlord. It’s a powerful way to get someone's attention. Use it when you want to highlight a real risk.

Use it in professional settings like meetings. It works well when discussing cybersecurity or workplace hazards. You can also use it in daily life. If a driver is being reckless, they are 威胁安全. If a bridge looks shaky, it is 威胁安全. It’s great for formal complaints. It sounds more authoritative than just saying something is 'bad'.

Don't use it for tiny, harmless things. If your friend eats your fries, that's not 威胁安全. Using it for minor inconveniences makes you sound dramatic. Avoid it in very casual jokes unless you're being sarcastic. It’s a heavy phrase, so don't waste it on a paper cut. Keep it for things that actually matter.

In China, public safety is a huge topic of conversation. The government and media use this phrase constantly. It reflects a collective concern for social stability and harmony. Because of this, the phrase carries a lot of weight. When you use it, people will take you seriously. It suggests a violation of the social contract of keeping each other safe.

Sometimes you'll hear 危害安全 (harm safety). This is even stronger than 威胁. 威胁 implies the threat is happening, while 危害 implies the damage is done. You might also hear 国家安全 (national security). This is the most formal version you'll find in news. For personal safety, people often just say 注意安全 (watch your safety). But when the danger is active, 威胁安全 is your go-to.