Translation guide
The English word "fear" can refer to the emotion of being afraid, a specific thing you are afraid of, or the act of fearing something. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on whether you are talking about a general feeling, a specific phobia, or showing concern for someone.
Expressing the feeling of being afraid or scared in general.
The most direct and common word for the emotion of fear. It can be used in both everyday and formal contexts.
He was trembling with fear.
It's natural to feel fear.
A more casual, everyday word for fear or scariness. Often used when talking about how scary something is.
The scariness of that movie was no joke.
A slightly more formal or literary word for fear, often implying awe or dread. Common in written language.
He was possessed by the fear of death.
Referring to a particular thing that someone is afraid of.
The suffix for phobias. Attach it to the thing feared.
He has a fear of heights.
People with claustrophobia can't ride elevators.
The most common way to say you are afraid of something. Use the thing you fear as the subject with が.
I'm afraid of dogs.
A more formal or literary way to say you fear something. Often used in writing.
He fears failure.
Expressing the action or state of being afraid.
The most common verb meaning 'to be scared' or 'to show fear'. Often used for visible fear reactions.
The child is afraid of the dark.
A more formal verb for 'to fear'. Often used for abstract fears or in set phrases.
Slang for being scared or freaked out. Very casual, often used among young people.
Expressing worry or fear that something bad might happen to someone.
Using 'fear' in polite phrases to express regret or deliver bad news.
怖い is an i-adjective meaning 'scary' or 'frightening'. It describes something that causes fear. 恐怖 is a noun meaning 'fear' as an emotion. You feel 恐怖 when something is 怖い.
The English phrase 'for fear of' is usually not translated directly. Instead, use 〜しないように (so as not to) or 〜するのが怖くて (being scared of doing).
He left home early for fear of being late.
彼は注射が怖い。
He's afraid of injections.
You don't have to be so scared; it's okay.
彼は神を恐れている。
He fears God.
I got totally freaked out at the haunted house.
Parents are always worried about their children.
I'm anxious about the exam results.
あいにく、その商品は売り切れです。
I'm afraid that product is sold out.