How to say "terrifying" in Japanese

• 恐ろしいおそろしいJLPT N3approx.Common
  i-adjectiveCovers the core sense of 'terrifying' — something dreadful or frightening that inspires fear, such as a horrifying event, scene, or experience. This is the natural choice when you mean something actually scares you.
  その嵐あらしの天候てんこうは恐おそろしかった。↗

  The stormy weather was dreadful.
• 恐るべきおそるべきCommon
  prenominal modifierAlso means 'terrifying' or 'dreadful', but tends toward the sense of formidable, fearsome, or awe-inspiring — a terrifying power or threat. Use it attributively for something daunting rather than merely scary.
  エイズウイルスの拡散かくさんは恐おそるべき速はやさで進すすんでいる。↗

  The speed of the spread of AIDS is horrifyingly fast.

Both 「恐ろしい」 and 「恐るべき」 convey 'terrifying' in the sense of dreadful or fearsome; use 「恐ろしい」 for something that frightens, and 「恐るべき」 for something formidable or awe-inspiring when described attributively.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 恐ろしいおそろしいterrible
• 恐るべきおそるべきterrible
• こわfrightening