Translation guide
Describes something that causes fear or is scary. Japanese has several common words for 'frightening', each with different nuances and levels of intensity.
The most common, everyday way to say something is frightening or scary.
The most common and versatile word for 'scary' or 'frightening'. Can be used for anything from mild fear to terror.
That movie was frightening.
Walking alone on a dark street is frightening.
Stronger and more literary than 怖い. Implies a deeper, more profound fear or dread. Often used in written language or formal speech.
A frightening incident occurred.
Colloquial, slightly childish or dialectal (often Kanto region) way to say 'scary'. Not used in formal contexts.
That dog is frightening, isn't it?
Describes something that is frightening in a strange, unnatural, or creepy way, often with a supernatural or mysterious feel.
Literally 'bad feeling', used for things that are creepy, eerie, or give you the creeps. Often for unnatural or inexplicable things.
That doll is creepy/frightening.
I heard a strange noise in the middle of the night and it was eerie.
Similar to 気味が悪い but more concise and often used in writing. Means 'eerie', 'uncanny', or 'ominous'.
Expresses extreme fear, something that is truly terrifying or horrifying, often involving a threat to life or sanity.
As noted above, 恐ろしい can also mean 'terrifying' when the context implies extreme fear. It is the most common word for this intensity.
A terrifying monster appeared.
Means 'terrific' or 'dreadful' in intensity. Can describe something frighteningly intense, like a storm or a scene.
A noun meaning 'shudder' or 'shiver' from fear. Often used in compounds like 戦慄を覚える (to feel a shudder of fear). Very literary.
Describes something that frightens you because it seems difficult, powerful, or overwhelming, rather than physically scary.
A verb meaning 'to be intimidated' or 'to lose one's nerve'. Often used when someone is frightened by a challenge or a person.
He was intimidated by his opponent's strength.
Means 'to be overwhelmed' or 'overpowered'. Can imply being frightened by the sheer scale or force of something.
Literally 'to pull back one's hips', meaning to shrink back or hesitate from fear or intimidation.
I was daunted by the sight of the high mountain.
怖い (kowai) is the everyday word for 'scary' and can be used in most situations. 恐ろしい (osoroshii) is stronger and more literary, often implying a deeper dread or a more serious threat. Use 怖い for casual conversation and 恐ろしい for writing or when you want to emphasize the severity of the fear.
English speakers often use 'frightening' for a wide range of situations, but Japanese tends to use more specific words depending on the type of fear. For example, 'creepy' is 気味が悪い, 'intimidating' is 怖気づく, and 'terrifying' is 恐ろしい. Choosing the right word will make your Japanese sound more natural.
An eerie silence enveloped the area.
A stronger, more emphatic version of 気味が悪い, meaning 'really creepy' or 'spine-chilling'.
That ruin is really creepy.
He glared at me with a terrifying expression.
その光景に戦慄を覚えた。
I felt a shudder of fear at that sight.
I was daunted by her talent and couldn't say anything.