How to say "frightening" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 怖いこわいi-adjectiveThe default word for frightening things: covers the everyday sense of scary or frightening, used when something makes you feel fear directly, such as horror films, ghosts, or dark streets at night.
- 恐ろしいおそろしいi-adjectiveCovers a stronger, heavier sense of frightening: terrifying or dreadful things that inspire deep fear or dread, such as horrifying accidents or frightening truths, rather than everyday scares.
Both words cover frightening things: 「怖い」 is the everyday word for feeling scared of something, while 「恐ろしい」 suggests terror or dread of a more intense, often serious kind.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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