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
虞
おそれ (osore)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 恐れ and 虞.
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, 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 "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 "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.". "虞" represents "fear; apprehension; risk; danger (that something bad might happen)".