Translation guide
The feeling of sudden fear or alarm, or an experience that causes it. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns for the emotion, verbs for being startled, and adjectives describing scary things.
Expressing the feeling of being suddenly scared or startled.
General word for fear or terror, often used for intense fright. Can be used in both spoken and written contexts.
Surprise or astonishment, often used for a sudden fright that is more startling than terrifying.
I was startled by the sudden noise.
A state of being frightened or intimidated, often with a nuance of ongoing fear rather than a sudden shock.
There was a look of fright on her face.
Referring to something that gave you a fright or is frightening.
A frightening experience. Commonly used to describe a scary event.
It was an unforgettable fright.
A scary experience, literally 'scary thought/feeling'. More casual and conversational.
I had a fright on the street at night.
Ghost or monster; often used by children or in lighthearted contexts for something that gives a fright.
Describing the action of suddenly becoming frightened.
To be surprised or startled. The most common and versatile way to say you got a fright in everyday conversation.
I got a fright when someone suddenly spoke from behind me.
To be surprised or astonished. Slightly more formal than びっくりする, can also imply wonder.
To be startled or taken aback, often with a sense of momentary shock. More intense than びっくりする.
I got a fright from the sudden scream.
Causing someone else to feel sudden fear.
To surprise or startle someone. The causative form of 驚く.
I hid to give him a fright.
To scare or frighten someone, emphasizing the fear rather than just surprise.
The story gave the children a fright.
To threaten or intimidate; can also mean to startle. Often used in the sense of making someone afraid for a purpose.
びっくりする is the most common, casual way to say you were startled or got a fright. 驚く can also mean 'to be amazed' and is slightly more formal. 恐怖 is a noun for deep fear or terror, not a momentary startle.
Avoid directly translating 'fright' as a single noun in many contexts. English often uses 'get a fright' or 'give a fright', which correspond to verb phrases in Japanese like びっくりする or 驚かせる.
I got such a fright when the door slammed.
She screamed in fright.
Don't give me a fright like that!
お化けが出そうで怖い。
I'm scared that a ghost might appear and give me a fright.
大きな音に驚いた。
I was frightened by the loud noise.
彼はナイフで私を脅かした。
He gave me a fright with a knife.