to fear, to be afraid of

JLPT N5 8 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of

The verb (pà) primarily means "to fear" or "to be afraid of." It is commonly used to express fear or apprehension about something specific, such as darkness, cold, or difficult situations.

Common Collocations

  • + noun: to be afraid of something (e.g., - afraid of the dark)
  • : a common phrase meaning "don't be afraid," often used to comfort someone.
  • + verb phrase: expressing fear of an action or event.

Pragmatic Notes

When using , speakers often imply a personal feeling of fear or discomfort. It can be used in both serious and casual contexts. The tone is generally neutral but can be softened with phrases like .

Common Confusion

Don't confuse with 害怕, which is a stronger or more formal way to say "to be afraid." is more common in everyday speech and can sometimes imply mild fear or reluctance rather than intense fear.

Example Sentences

I'm afraid of the dark, so I don't like walking alone at night.

Don't be afraid, the exam isn't that hard.

He is afraid of the cold, so he always wears a lot of clothes in winter.