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
危惧
きぐ (kigu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 恐れ and 危惧.
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, 危惧 (きぐ (kigu)) maps to "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. 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.
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.". "危惧" represents "fear, apprehension, misgivings, concern".