Meaning and Usage
The verb 脅す (おどす) means "to threaten" or "to menace." It is used when someone tries to intimidate another person, often to force them to do something or to cause fear. This word is generally used in serious contexts involving verbal or physical threats.
Common Contexts
You will often see 脅す used in situations involving crime, bullying, or coercion. For example, criminals might threaten victims to get money, or someone might threaten another to gain compliance.
Collocations and Patterns
- 脅す + 目的語 (e.g., 脅して金を取る): threatening to get money
- 脅す + 人 (e.g., 子供を脅す): threatening a child
- 脅される (passive form): to be threatened
Register and Nuance
脅す is a formal and somewhat strong word. It is not used lightly and implies serious intimidation. It is often found in news reports, police statements, or serious conversations. Avoid using it casually to describe minor annoyances.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 脅す with 怖がらせる (to scare) or 脅かす (to startle). 脅す specifically means to threaten with intent to intimidate, not just to frighten or surprise someone. Make sure to use 脅す when the context involves a deliberate threat.