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