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
恐れる
おそれる (osoreru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 恐怖 and 恐れる.
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, 恐れる (おそれる (osoreru)) maps to "to fear, to be afraid of" (Syllabus Level: N3) 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.
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.". "恐れる" represents "to fear, to be afraid of".