Meaning and Usage
"恐ろしい" (おそろしい) is an adjective used to describe something that causes fear, dread, or is dreadful. It can refer to physical danger, frightening situations, or even overwhelming qualities like extreme concentration or power.
Common Contexts
It is often used to describe scary movies, accidents, or situations that evoke fear. It can also be used metaphorically to express something impressive or overwhelming in a slightly frightening way.
Collocations and Patterns
- 恐ろしい事故 (おそろしいじこ): a terrible accident
- 恐ろしいほど (おそろしいほど): to an amazing or frightening degree
- 恐ろしい顔 (おそろしいかお): a scary face
Register and Nuance
This word is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. It is stronger than "怖い" (こわい) in some contexts, emphasizing dread or severity.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "恐ろしい" with "怖い". While both mean "scary," "恐ろしい" often implies a more serious or dreadful fear, not just simple fright. Use "恐ろしい" for more intense or serious situations.