How to say "dread" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 恐怖きょうふnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbCovers dread as plain, intense fear — of danger, pain, failure, or anything unpleasant that one sees coming. This is the word to reach for when 'dread' simply means strong fear.
- 畏怖いふnoun, suru verb, transitive verbIts 'dread' is dread blended with awe — the fear one feels before something overwhelmingly vast, powerful, or sacred. For the dread of everyday dangers and troubles, this is seldom the word you want.
Use 恐怖 for dread as plain, intense fear of something painful, dangerous, or unpleasant, and 畏怖 when the feeling is really awe — dread mixed with reverence toward something vastly greater than oneself.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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