Translation guide
The English word "horror" can refer to a feeling of intense fear, shock, or disgust, or to a genre of fiction. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Expressing a strong emotional reaction to something frightening, shocking, or repulsive.
The most direct and common translation for 'horror' as a feeling of extreme fear or dread. Used in both everyday and literary contexts.
彼は恐怖で震えていた。
He was trembling with horror.
その映画は観客に恐怖を与えた。
The movie filled the audience with horror.
A more intense, literary word for 'shudder' or 'horror', often implying a physical reaction. Used in dramatic or written contexts.
その光景に戦慄を覚えた。
I felt horror at the sight.
A common phrase meaning 'to shudder' or 'to be horrified', often used for something creepy or disgusting. More casual than 恐怖.
その話を聞いてぞっとした。
I was horrified to hear that story.
あの映画はぞっとするほど怖かった。
That movie was horrifyingly scary.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to make one's hair stand on end' from horror. Very vivid and somewhat literary.
その怪談は身の毛がよだつ話だった。
That ghost story was a tale of horror.
Referring to the genre of horror movies, books, or games.
The loanword 'horror' used specifically for the genre. Very common and natural in Japanese.
私はホラー映画が好きです。
I like horror movies.
この小説はホラーだ。
This novel is horror.
Literally 'horror film', a more descriptive term. Less common than ホラー映画 but still used.
彼は恐怖映画の監督だ。
He is a director of horror films.
Refers to traditional Japanese ghost stories or horror tales, often with a supernatural element. Not a direct translation of 'horror' but a related genre term.
Describing an event, situation, or thing that causes horror.
Means 'disaster' or 'tragedy', often used for horrific events like accidents or atrocities.
その事故は惨事だった。
The accident was a horror.
A general phrase meaning 'terrible thing' or 'horror'. Can be used in various contexts.
戦争は恐ろしいことだ。
War is a horror.
恐怖 (kyōfu) is the feeling of horror or fear, while ホラー (horā) is the genre. Use 恐怖 for emotional reactions and ホラー for movies, books, etc.
While 恐怖映画 is understandable, ホラー映画 is much more common and natural for 'horror movie'. Using 恐怖 in this context can sound stiff or overly formal.
恐怖のあまり、ドアがゆっくり開いた。
To my horror, the door slowly opened.
彼女は恐怖で叫んだ。
She screamed in horror.
夏になると怪談を聞きたくなる。
In summer, I feel like listening to horror stories.