恐怖 — meaning in English: Fear

kyōfu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for fear

国

kuni

一時停止

ichiji teishi

見積もり

mitsumori

恐怖

kyōfu

原因

gen'in

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 恐怖 (kyōfu) to express feelings of fear in various situations, especially in storytelling, horror films, or discussing personal anxieties. For example, a friend might say, 'その映画は本当に恐怖だった' (That movie was really scary) after watching a thriller.

Synonyms & nuances

While 恐怖 (kyōfu) specifically denotes a deep, often paralyzing fear, the word 恐れ (osore) can imply a more general sense of fear or apprehension. You might choose 恐怖 when describing intense situations like horror films, whereas 恐れ might be more appropriate for everyday worries.

Culture

The word 恐怖 (kyōfu) has roots in classical Chinese, where it denotes deep fear or terror. In Japanese culture, fear plays a significant role in traditional ghost stories, called 'yūrei'. These tales often explore human emotions, with fear serving as a conduit for understanding the supernatural.

FAQ

Q.What does 恐怖 mean in English?

The word 恐怖 (kyōfu) translates to 'fear' in English. It conveys a sense of deep apprehension or terror, often associated with intense situations.

Q.How do you use 恐怖 in a sentence?

You can use 恐怖 in sentences like, '彼女は高所恐怖を持っています' (She has a fear of heights) to describe specific fears or phobias.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 恐怖?

A common mistake is using 恐怖 when a lighter sense of fear or anxiety is intended. Instead, consider using 恐れ (osore) for more general fears.

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