Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Fear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "fear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
恐れ
おそれ (osore)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
危ぶむ
あやぶむ (ayabumu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 恐れ and 危ぶむ.
In Japanese, 恐れ (おそれ (osore)) is typically associated with "fear; dread; awe; risk; danger" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 名詞。不安や恐怖の感情、またはそうなる可能性を指す。動詞は「恐れる」。e.g., 失敗の恐れがある.
On the other hand, 危ぶむ (あやぶむ (ayabumu)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "fear" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "恐れ"
彼女は一人で暗い道を歩くことに恐れを感じた。
She felt fear walking alone on the dark street.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は一人で暗い道を歩くことに ＿＿＿ を感じた。" (Meaning: "She felt fear walking alone on the dark street.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "恐れ" fits here because it means "fear; dread; awe; risk; danger" in the context of: "She felt fear walking alone on the dark street.". "危ぶむ" represents "To fear, to have misgivings about, to be anxious about, to be afraid of (failure, etc.)".