Meaning and Usage
The verb 怯える (おびえる) means "to become frightened" or "to be scared." It often describes a deep, sometimes sudden fear or anxiety about something specific, such as darkness, failure, or an uncertain situation.
Common Contexts
怯える is frequently used to describe emotional states where someone is visibly or internally scared. It can apply to children, adults, or even animals. The fear can be about physical danger or psychological stress.
Collocations and Patterns
- 怯える子供 (おびえるこども): a frightened child
- ～を怯えている: to be scared of ~ (e.g., 暗闇を怯えている - scared of the dark)
- 失敗を怯えて～しない: afraid of failure and not doing something
Register and Nuance
怯える is somewhat literary or formal compared to more casual words like 怖がる (こわがる). It often conveys a stronger or more vulnerable fear. It is common in written narratives or formal speech rather than casual conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 怯える with 怖がる. While both mean "to be afraid," 怯える implies a more internalized, trembling fear, whereas 怖がる can be more about showing fear outwardly. Use 怯える when emphasizing the emotional or psychological aspect of fear.