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