恐

JLPT N3

Fear

Readings

On’yomi: キョウ (kyō)

Kun’yomi: おそ(れる), おそ(ろしい), こわ(い) (oso(reru), oso(roshii), kowa(i))

• おそ(れる) – to fear, to be afraid • おそ(ろしい) – terrible, frightening

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

恐い

こわい

scary

恐怖

きょうふ

fear

恐れる

おそれる

fear

恐縮

きょうしゅく

恐縮

恐竜

きょうりゅう

dinosaur

Example Sentences

恐いです。

こわいです。

It is scary.

恐怖を感じます。

きょうふをかんじます。

I feel fear.

失敗を恐れます。

しっぱいをおそれます。

I fear failure.

恐れ入ります。

おそれいります。

I am obliged.

恐竜です。

きょうりゅうです。

It is a dinosaur.

Cultural Note

🕯️ The kanji 恐 is often associated with a mix of fear and respect — as seen in Shinto and Buddhism, where humans feel awe (畏れ) toward divine power.
In everyday Japanese, it can express not just terror but also humble reverence.