Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Fear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "fear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
危ぶむ
あやぶむ (ayabumu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
虞
おそれ (osore)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 危ぶむ and 虞.
In Japanese, 危ぶむ (あやぶむ (ayabumu)) is typically associated with "To fear, to have misgivings about, to be anxious about, to be afraid of (failure, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses apprehension or doubt about the success or safety of something. Often implies a worry about potential negative outcomes or uncertainty..
On the other hand, 虞 (おそれ (osore)) maps to "fear; apprehension; risk; danger (that something bad might happen)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents More formal than 怖い. A literal translation of "fear" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "危ぶむ"
彼の計画の実現は、多くの人が危ぶんでいる。
Many people have misgivings about the realization of his plan.
Bilingual Context for "虞"
このままでは、経済が破綻する虞がある。
There is a risk that the economy will collapse as it is.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の計画の実現は、多くの人が危ぶんでいる。" (Meaning: "Many people have misgivings about the realization of his plan.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "危ぶむ" fits here because it means "To fear, to have misgivings about, to be anxious about, to be afraid of (failure, etc.)" in the context of: "Many people have misgivings about the realization of his plan.". "虞" represents "fear; apprehension; risk; danger (that something bad might happen)".