Meaning and Usage
"恐れ" (おそれ) primarily means "fear" or "concern," but it is often used in formal or written contexts to express a risk or possibility of something negative happening. It can refer to both emotional fear and objective risk.
Common Contexts
It frequently appears in warnings or official announcements, such as natural disaster alerts or health advisories, to indicate a potential danger or threat. It can also describe personal feelings of fear or anxiety.
Collocations and Patterns
- 恐れがある: indicates there is a risk or possibility of something happening.
- 恐れを感じる: to feel fear or anxiety.
- 恐れ入りますが: a polite phrase meaning "I am sorry to trouble you," often used in customer service.
Register and Nuance
"恐れ" is more formal and literary than everyday words like "怖い" (こわい). It is common in news, official documents, and polite speech. Learners should avoid using it casually to express simple fear.
Common Mistake
Confusing "恐れ" with "怖い" can lead to unnatural expressions. Use "恐れ" when referring to risks or formal concerns, and "怖い" for everyday fear or fright.