Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing fear involves choosing the right word based on the intensity and nature of the fear. Common verbs include 怖がる (to be scared of something concrete), 恐れる (to fear something abstract or serious), and 心配する (to be worried/anxious). The adjective 怖い is also frequently used to describe something as scary or to express one's own fear.
彼は失敗を恐れています。
He is afraid of failure.
あいにく、行けません。
I'm afraid I can't come.
Expressing fear of a concrete thing, situation, or action, often with a visible reaction.
The most common verb for showing fear of something. It describes a person's fearful reaction to a specific thing. Often used for children or when the fear is outwardly visible.
彼は犬を怖がっている。
He is afraid of dogs.
子供が暗闇を怖がるのは当然だ。
It's natural for children to be afraid of the dark.
An adjective meaning 'scary' or 'frightening'. When used with the subject marked by が, it expresses that the subject is scared. More common in casual speech.
To be frightened or terrified, often with a sense of trembling or being intimidated. More literary or dramatic.
Expressing fear of consequences, failure, death, or other intangible threats.
Expressing concern or anxiety about a possible negative outcome, rather than immediate fear.
The standard verb for 'to worry' or 'to be anxious'. It implies concern about something that might happen.
母は私の健康を心配している。
My mother is worried about my health.
Expressing reluctance or fear about performing an action.
A common pattern using the adjective 怖い. The nominalizer の turns the verb into a noun phrase meaning 'doing ~'.
一人で旅行するのが怖い。
I'm afraid to travel alone.
Used to politely express regret or deliver bad news, similar to 'I'm afraid that...' in English.
An adverb meaning 'unfortunately' or 'I'm afraid that...'. Used in formal situations to soften bad news.
あいにく、その日は予定があります。
I'm afraid I have plans that day.
Literally 'while it is regrettable', used similarly to 'I'm afraid that...' or 'unfortunately'.
怖がる (kowagaru) describes a person's visible fear reaction and takes the feared object with を. 怖い (kowai) is an adjective meaning 'scary'; to say 'I am afraid of X', use Xが怖い. 恐れる (osoreru) is more abstract and formal, often used for fear of consequences or existential threats.
彼は地震を怖がっている。
He is showing fear of earthquakes.
私は地震が怖い。
I am afraid of earthquakes.
彼は死を恐れている。
He fears death.
I am afraid of dogs.
彼女は高い所が怖い。
She is afraid of heights.
彼は脅迫におびえている。
He is living in fear of threats.
Used for fear of abstract things like failure, criticism, or death. More formal and often found in written language. Can also mean 'to be in awe of'.
彼は失敗を恐れている。
He is afraid of failure.
人々は死を恐れる。
People fear death.
Can also be used for abstract fears in casual contexts, but 恐れる is more precise.
彼は変化を怖がっている。
He is afraid of change.
He is anxious about the exam results.
A na-adjective meaning 'uneasy' or 'anxious'. Often used for a vague sense of worry or insecurity.
将来が不安だ。
I am anxious about the future.
I'm afraid to tell him the truth.
Uses the verb 怖がる to describe someone else's fear of doing something.
彼女は人前で話すのを怖がる。
She is afraid of speaking in public.
残念ながら、その申し出はお受けできません。
I'm afraid we cannot accept that offer.
The English phrase 'I'm afraid that...' used for polite regret cannot be translated with 怖い or 恐れる. Use あいにく or 残念ながら instead.
あいにく、売り切れです。
I'm afraid it's sold out.
The English phrase 'I'm afraid that...' used for polite regret cannot be translated with 怖い or 恐れる. Use あいにく or 残念ながら instead.
あいにく、売り切れです。
I'm afraid it's sold out.