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.
彼は恐怖で震えていた。
He was trembling with fear.
恐怖を感じるのは自然なことだ。
It's natural to feel fear.
A more casual, everyday word for fear or scariness. Often used when talking about how scary something is.
その映画の怖さは半端じゃなかった。
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.
彼は死の恐れに囚われていた。
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.
彼は高所恐怖症だ。
He has a fear of heights.
閉所恐怖症の人はエレベーターに乗れない。
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.
A more formal or literary way to say you fear something. Often used in writing.
彼は失敗を恐れている。
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.
子供が暗闇を怖がっている。
The child is afraid of the dark.
そんなに怖がらなくても大丈夫だよ。
You don't have to be so scared; it's okay.
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.
The most common word for worry or concern. It can be used when you fear for someone's well-being.
彼の安否が心配だ。
I fear for his safety.
親はいつも子供のことを心配している。
Parents are always worried about their children.
Anxiety or unease, often about an uncertain future. Can be used when you fear something bad might happen.
Using 'fear' in polite phrases to express regret or deliver bad news.
A common polite phrase meaning 'unfortunately' or 'I'm afraid that...'. Used to soften bad news.
残念ながら、その日は都合がつきません。
I'm afraid I'm not available that day.
Another polite word meaning 'unfortunately' or 'I'm afraid'. Slightly more formal than 残念ながら.
あいにく、その商品は売り切れです。
I'm afraid that product is sold out.
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).
彼は遅刻しないように早く家を出た。
He left home early for fear of being late.
彼は神を恐れている。
He fears God.
I got totally freaked out at the haunted house.
I'm anxious about the exam results.