脅威

• Reading: きょうい
• Romaji: kyoui
• Kanji breakdown: 脅 (kyou) — threaten, intimidate; 威 (i) — authority, power, menace
• Pronunciation: /kʲoː.i/

Meaning

Threat; menace; a force or situation posing a serious danger to security, stability, or well-being.

A noun used to describe something that endangers or coerces, particularly in geopolitical, environmental, and organisational contexts. Differs from 危険 (danger) in implying a threatening agent or force rather than mere abstract risk. Frequent in security studies, diplomatic language, and media reporting.

Examples

1. 核兵器は現在も国際社会に対する最大の脅威の一つだ。 Nuclear weapons remain one of the greatest threats to the international community today.
2. 気候変動は農業と食糧安全保障への深刻な脅威となっている。 Climate change has become a serious threat to agriculture and food security.
3. 新興企業の台頭が既存の大企業にとって無視できない脅威となってきた。 The rise of startups has become a threat that established corporations can no longer ignore.

Usage Guide

Context: security, politics, environment, business

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 脅 (threaten, coerce) and 威 (authority, power, menace). Together they describe the combined force of intimidation and latent danger directed at someone or something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional