Japanese word

恐れる

Pronunciation

Romajiosoreru

Meaning

  • verbbe afraid of

Example

私は犬を恐れません。watashi wa inu o oso re ma se n

I am not afraid of dogs.

Illustration for 恐れる (be afraid of)

More examples

彼女は人前で話すことを恐れます。kano jo wa hito mae de hana su ko to o oso re ma su

She is afraid of speaking in front of people.

Core concept

It describes sensing danger or a serious bad outcome and wanting to avoid it.

Common phrases

  • 変化を恐れるhen ka o oso re ru

    fear change

  • 将来を恐れるshō rai o oso re ru

    fear the future

Similar words

怖がるkowagaru: To act afraid of a person, thing, or situation that seems scary.
怯えるobieru: To feel and show intense fear in the presence of danger.

Definition in Japanese

危険や不安を感じ、身を避けたいと思う。ki ken ya fu an o kan ji mi o sa ke ta i to omo u

Word origin

恐れる (osoreru) is a native Japanese verb related to the older verb 恐る (osoru), with 恐れ (osore, "fear") serving as its noun and continuative form.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 恐れる (osoreru) is often more formal than 怖い (kowai), which speakers commonly use when something simply feels scary.

Opposites

  • 安心するanshinsurufeel relievedverb

Related words

Word lists with this word