Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Fear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "fear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
恐れる
おそれる (osoreru)
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 恐れる and 危ぶむ.
In Japanese, 恐れる (おそれる (osoreru)) is typically associated with "to fear, to be afraid of" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents More formal than 怖い.
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 "恐れる"
失敗を恐れずに挑戦することが大切だ。
It's important to challenge yourself without fearing failure.
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: "失敗を恐れずに挑戦することが大切だ。" (Meaning: "It's important to challenge yourself without fearing failure.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "恐れる" fits here because it means "to fear, to be afraid of" in the context of: "It's important to challenge yourself without fearing failure.". "危ぶむ" represents "To fear, to have misgivings about, to be anxious about, to be afraid of (failure, etc.)".