Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Fear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "fear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
恐怖
きょうふ (kyōfu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
恐れ
おそれ (osore)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 恐怖 and 恐れ.
In Japanese, 恐怖 (きょうふ (kyōfu)) is typically associated with "fear; dread; terror" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to intense fear, dread, or terror caused by danger or frightening situations. Often used with 恐怖を感じる.
On the other hand, 恐れ (おそれ (osore)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "fear" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "恐怖"
高い所に立つと、強い恐怖を感じます。
When I stand in a high place, I feel strong fear.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "高い所に立つと、強い ＿＿＿ を感じます。" (Meaning: "When I stand in a high place, I feel strong fear.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "恐怖" fits here because it means "fear; dread; terror" in the context of: "When I stand in a high place, I feel strong fear.". "恐れ" represents "fear; dread; awe; risk; danger".