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.
突然の音に驚いた。
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.
彼女の顔には怯えの表情があった。
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.
それは忘れられない恐怖体験だった。
It was an unforgettable fright.
A scary experience, literally 'scary thought/feeling'. More casual and conversational.
夜道で怖い思いをした。
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.
急に後ろから声をかけられてびっくりした。
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.
大きな音に驚いた。
I was frightened by the loud noise.
To be startled or taken aback, often with a sense of momentary shock. More intense than びっくりする.
突然の悲鳴にぎょっとした。
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.
彼を驚かせようと思って隠れた。
I hid to give him a fright.
To scare or frighten someone, emphasizing the fear rather than just surprise.
その話は子供たちを怖がらせた。
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.
ドアがバタンと閉まって、すごくびっくりした。
I got such a fright when the door slammed.
彼女は恐怖で悲鳴をあげた。
She screamed in fright.
そんな風に驚かせないでよ！
Don't give me a fright like that!
I'm scared that a ghost might appear and give me a fright.
彼はナイフで私を脅かした。
He gave me a fright with a knife.