Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Fear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "fear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
危惧
きぐ (kigu)
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 危惧 and 虞.
In Japanese, 危惧 (きぐ (kigu)) is typically associated with "fear, apprehension, misgivings, concern" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses a strong concern or apprehension about a potential negative outcome or danger in the future. It's often used in more formal contexts than 恐れる.
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 "危惧"
環境破壊が地球の未来に与える影響を危惧している。
I fear the impact of environmental destruction on the future of the Earth.
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: "環境破壊が地球の未来に与える影響を ＿＿＿ している。" (Meaning: "I fear the impact of environmental destruction on the future of the Earth.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "危惧" fits here because it means "fear, apprehension, misgivings, concern" in the context of: "I fear the impact of environmental destruction on the future of the Earth.". "虞" represents "fear; apprehension; risk; danger (that something bad might happen)".