A1 noun Formal #2,826 most common

脅迫

kyōhaku [kʲoːhakɯ]

The act of intimidating or threatening someone with harm to their person, reputation, or property in order to force them to do something. In a legal context, it refers to the crime of intimidation or coercion through the use of fear.

Examples

3 of 5
1

彼は誰かに脅迫されていると警察に言った。

He told the police that he was being threatened by someone.

2

被告人は被害者に対する脅迫の疑いで逮捕されました。

The defendant was arrested on suspicion of intimidating the victim.

3

それって、ほとんど脅迫じゃない?

Isn't that basically a threat?

Word Family

Noun
脅迫
Verb
脅迫する
Adverb
脅迫的に
Adjective
脅迫的な
Related
脅迫罪
💡

Memory Tip

Look at the first kanji 脅: it has three 'power' symbols (力) over 'flesh/body' (月). Imagine three strong people putting pressure on your body to scare you.

Quick Quiz

犯人は、警察に通報したら家族を殺すと___状を送ってきた。

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Examples

1

彼は誰かに脅迫されていると警察に言った。

everyday

He told the police that he was being threatened by someone.

2

被告人は被害者に対する脅迫の疑いで逮捕されました。

formal

The defendant was arrested on suspicion of intimidating the victim.

3

それって、ほとんど脅迫じゃない?

informal

Isn't that basically a threat?

4

本研究では、SNSにおける脅迫行為の心理的メカニズムを分析する。

academic

This study analyzes the psychological mechanisms of threatening behavior on social media.

5

取引先からの脅迫まがいの要求には応じられません。

business

We cannot comply with demands from a client that are akin to threats.

Word Family

Noun
脅迫
Verb
脅迫する
Adverb
脅迫的に
Adjective
脅迫的な
Related
脅迫罪

Common Collocations

脅迫を受ける to receive a threat
脅迫に屈する to yield to threats
脅迫状を送る to send a threatening letter
脅迫的な態度 a threatening attitude
脅迫電話 a threatening phone call

Common Phrases

脅迫まがい

tantamount to a threat / bordering on intimidation

脅迫状

blackmail letter / threatening letter

脅迫観念

obsessive thought (though '強迫' is more common here)

Often Confused With

脅迫 vs 強迫

Pronounced the same (kyōhaku), but 強迫 refers to internal obsession or legal duress, while 脅迫 refers to external threats/intimidation.

脅迫 vs 脅す

脅す (odosu) is the native Japanese verb form used in daily conversation, whereas 脅迫 is more formal and legal.

📝

Usage Notes

This word is highly formal and carries serious legal weight. It should be used when discussing crimes or very serious interpersonal confrontations rather than lighthearted teasing.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use this word for 'scaring' someone as a prank. For jokes or light scares, use '驚かす' (odorakasu) instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Look at the first kanji 脅: it has three 'power' symbols (力) over 'flesh/body' (月). Imagine three strong people putting pressure on your body to scare you.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the characters 脅 (to threaten/frighten) and 迫 (to urge/press/approach).

Grammar Patterns

Noun + する (to form a verb) 〜による脅迫 (threat by means of...) 〜を脅迫する (to threaten someone)
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japan, 'Kyōhaku-zai' (The Crime of Intimidation) is a specific offense under the Penal Code, often mentioned in news reports regarding stalking or organized crime.

Quick Quiz

犯人は、警察に通報したら家族を殺すと___状を送ってきた。

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Related Words

抗争

A1

A serious struggle or conflict between opposing groups, factions, or organizations. It often implies a prolonged period of resistance, power struggles, or violent feuding.

平和

A1

A state of harmony and the absence of conflict, war, or disturbance. It is used to describe both global stability between nations and a quiet, tranquil personal lifestyle or environment.

和平

A1

和平 (wahei) refers to a state of peace or the restoration of peace, specifically in a diplomatic or formal context between conflicting parties. Unlike the more general word for peace (平和), it often implies the process of ending a war or dispute through negotiation.

休戦

A1

A temporary cessation of fighting or conflict by mutual agreement; a truce or armistice. It indicates a period where parties agree to stop hostile actions, whether in a literal war or a metaphorical argument.

停戦

A1

A temporary cessation of fighting or a ceasefire agreement between opposing forces in a conflict. It is used when parties agree to stop hostilities to allow for negotiations, humanitarian aid, or the permanent end of a war.

組織

A1

Soshiki refers to a structured group of people working together for a specific purpose, such as a company, institution, or system. It can also refer to biological tissue in a medical or scientific context, describing how cells are arranged.

協会

A1

An organized group of people who have the same interest, job, or purpose. It is commonly used for professional bodies, sports leagues, or non-profit organizations that represent a collective interest.

学会

A1

An academic society or a professional organization where scholars and researchers share their findings. It also commonly refers to the specific academic conferences or meetings organized by these groups.

法人

A1

A legal entity or organization, such as a company or non-profit, that is recognized by law as having rights and duties similar to those of a person. It distinguishes a group or institution from an individual human being in legal and business matters.

組合

A1

A formal organization or association formed by individuals or groups with a common interest, most commonly referring to a labor union or a cooperative. It describes a collective body where members work together to achieve shared social, economic, or professional goals.

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