Meaning and Usage
"脅迫" (きょうはく) means "threat" or "coercion" and is used to describe situations where someone forces another person to do something by intimidation or threats. It is a formal and serious term often used in legal or official contexts.
Common Contexts
This word frequently appears in discussions about crime, legal matters, or personal safety. For example, "脅迫電話" (threatening phone calls) or "脅迫罪" (the crime of coercion) are common collocations.
Collocations and Patterns
- 脅迫する: to threaten or coerce someone.
- 脅迫電話: threatening phone call.
- 脅迫罪: crime of coercion.
- 脅迫される: to be threatened.
Register and Nuance
"脅迫" is a formal noun and is not used lightly in casual conversation. It implies serious intimidation, often with legal consequences. Avoid using it for light teasing or joking threats.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "脅迫" with less severe words like "いじめ" (bullying) or "嫌がらせ" (harassment). Remember that "脅迫" specifically involves threats that force someone to act against their will, often with legal implications.