Translation guide
The English word 'terror' can refer to intense fear, something that causes fear, or political violence. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Expressing a state of extreme fear or panic
The most direct and common translation for 'terror' as a feeling of extreme fear. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は恐怖で震えていた。
He was trembling with terror.
その映画は恐怖を感じさせる。
That movie evokes terror.
A more literary word for 'shudder' or 'terror', often used in written language or dramatic contexts.
戦慄が走った。
A shudder of terror ran through me.
A noun form of the verb 'おののく' (to tremble with fear). Conveys a sense of trembling terror, but is less common in everyday speech.
おののきを隠せなかった。
I couldn't hide my terror.
Referring to a person, thing, or situation that inspires extreme fear
Literally 'target of terror', used to describe someone or something that is a source of terror.
彼は町の恐怖の的だった。
He was the terror of the town.
A more formal way to say 'object of terror'.
その怪物は村人たちの恐怖の対象だった。
The monster was an object of terror for the villagers.
Referring to acts of violence intended to create fear for political purposes
Short for 'テロリズム' (terrorism), this is the standard term for terrorist acts. Used in news and everyday conversation.
テロの脅威が高まっている。
The threat of terror is increasing.
テロ事件が発生した。
A terror incident occurred.
The full loanword for 'terrorism'. More formal than 'テロ'.
Refers to 'reign of terror', a historical or political system using terror to control people.
Describing a person, especially a child, who causes trouble or annoyance
Literally 'a child one cannot handle', used for a mischievous or uncontrollable child. Equivalent to 'little terror'.
うちの子は本当に手に負えない子で、いつもいたずらばかりしている。
My kid is a real terror, always getting into mischief.
Means 'mischievous child' or 'prankster'. Less intense than 'terror' but captures the playful nuisance aspect.
あのいたずらっ子がまた何かやらかした。
That little terror has done something again.
While both can translate to 'terror', テロ specifically refers to terrorism (political violence), whereas 恐怖 is the emotion of fear. Using テロ to describe personal fear would be incorrect.
私は高いところが怖い。（恐怖だ is less natural）
I'm afraid of heights. (Not テロ)
恐怖 (きょうふ) is a stronger, more formal word for 'terror' or 'dread'. 怖さ (こわさ) is the noun form of 怖い (こわい, scary) and is more common for everyday fears. Use 恐怖 for intense, often existential or overwhelming fear.
恐怖を感じる (intense fear) vs. 怖さを感じる (general fear)
feel terror vs. feel fear
国際テロリズムとの戦い
the fight against international terrorism
フランス革命期の恐怖政治
the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution