Translation guide
Expressing fear or being scared in Japanese. The most common and natural way is to use the adjective こわい (kowai) for 'scary' or 'frightening', or the verb おびえる (obieru) for 'to be frightened'. The choice depends on whether you are describing a general state, a reaction to something specific, or a more intense fear.
To say that you are frightened or scared in general, or that something is scary.
The most common and versatile word for 'scary' or 'frightening'. It can describe a person, situation, or thing. Often used in the form 〜が怖い (〜ga kowai) to say 'I am scared of ~'.
A more formal or literary verb meaning 'to fear' or 'to be afraid of'. Often used in written language or formal speech. Can also imply awe or reverence.
彼は死を恐れている。
He is frightened of death.
Means 'to be frightened' or 'to be scared', often implying a visible reaction or a state of being terrified. Can be used for both people and animals.
子どもは大きな音におびえた。
The child was frightened by the loud noise.
Means 'to be scared' or 'to show fear', often used when describing someone else's fear (since 怖い is usually for the speaker's own feeling). It indicates an outward display of fear.
妹は注射を怖がっている。
My little sister is frightened of injections.
To express being suddenly frightened or startled by something unexpected.
Means 'to be surprised' or 'to be startled'. It is very common and can be used for both positive and negative surprises, but often implies a sudden fright.
急に後ろから声をかけられてびっくりした。
I was frightened when someone suddenly called out from behind me.
Means 'to be surprised' or 'to be astonished'. It can be used for fright but is more general for any surprise. Often used in the past tense 驚いた (odoroita).
大きな音に驚いた。
I was frightened by the loud noise.
An onomatopoeic expression meaning 'to be startled' or 'to be taken aback', often with a sense of momentary fright or shock.
突然の悲鳴にぎょっとした。
I was frightened by the sudden scream.
To express being extremely frightened or terrified.
A phrase meaning 'to feel terror/fear'. It is a straightforward way to express being frightened in a strong sense.
彼は暗闇に恐怖を感じた。
He felt frightened in the darkness.
An onomatopoeic expression meaning 'to shudder' or 'to be horrified'. It conveys a physical reaction to fear or disgust.
その話を聞いてぞっとした。
I was frightened by that story.
A literary word meaning 'to shudder' or 'to tremble with fear'. It is used in dramatic or written contexts.
その光景に戦慄した。
I was frightened by the sight.
怖い is an adjective used for everyday fear, while 恐れる is a more formal verb often used in writing or abstract fears. For 'I am scared of X', use Xが怖い. 恐れる is less common in casual speech.
English often uses 'be frightened' as a passive construction, but Japanese typically uses adjectives (怖い) or intransitive verbs (おびえる) to express the state of being scared. Avoid direct translations like 怖がられる (kowagarareru) which means 'to be feared by others'.