怯え
怯え في 30 ثانية
- Obie is a noun meaning 'fright' or 'terror,' derived from the verb 'obieru.' It describes the state of being afraid.
- It is more descriptive and formal than the simple adjective 'kowai' (scary) and focuses on the subject's internal state.
- Commonly used in literature and news to describe deep anxieties, physical trembling, or a look of fear on someone's face.
- Key grammatical patterns include 'obie wo kanjiru' (feel fright) and 'obie no iro' (a look of fright).
The Japanese word 怯え (obie) is a noun that encapsulates the state of being frightened, terrorized, or struck by a profound sense of fear. Derived from the verb obieru (to be frightened/to tremble), it specifically denotes the internal experience and external manifestation of fear. Unlike the simple adjective kowai, which describes something as 'scary,' obie focuses on the psychological condition of the person experiencing the emotion. It is a word that carries significant weight in both everyday conversation and literary contexts, often used to describe deep-seated anxieties or the visible trembling associated with terror.
- Grammatical Essence
- The word functions as a Meishi (noun). It is the nominalized form of the Ichidan verb obieru. In Japanese, transforming verbs into nouns this way often emphasizes the 'state' or 'essence' of the action rather than the action itself.
- Nuance of Vulnerability
- Obie implies a certain level of vulnerability. It is not just a rational fear of a physical threat, but often an instinctive, visceral reaction. It is the kind of fear that makes one's heart race and limbs shake.
彼の瞳には隠しきれない怯えの色があった。(Kare no hitomi ni wa kakushikirenai obie no iro ga atta.)
In terms of usage, you will frequently encounter this word in psychological thrillers, news reports regarding social anxieties, or descriptions of animals in a state of distress. It is less about the 'object' of fear and more about the 'shadow' it casts on the human spirit. When you use obie, you are painting a picture of someone who is emotionally unsettled. For example, a child might show obie toward the dark, or a community might live in obie during a period of civil unrest.
その犬は、過去のトラウマから人間に怯えを感じている。(Sono inu wa, kako no trauma kara ningen ni obie wo kanjite iru.)
- Visualizing the Kanji
- The kanji 怯 consists of the 'heart' radical (忄) and the component for 'departing' or 'going away' (去). Historically, this suggests a heart that is so scared it wants to leave the body—a perfect visual representation of cowardice or extreme fright.
Furthermore, obie is often used metaphorically. In the business world, one might speak of an 'obie' regarding market crashes or economic instability. It suggests a paralyzing fear that prevents decisive action. In literature, it often serves as a precursor to a character's breakdown or a sudden change in narrative direction. Understanding obie is essential for grasping the emotional depth of Japanese storytelling, where the internal state is often prioritized over external action.
未知のものへの怯えが、人々の判断を狂わせた。(Michi no mono e no obie ga, hitobito no handan wo kuruwaseta.)
Using 怯え (obie) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and its relationship with specific particles and verbs. Most commonly, it appears as the object of a feeling or an observable trait in someone's demeanor. Because it is a noun, it can be modified by adjectives or other nouns using the particle no.
- Common Particle Pairings
- Obie wo... (Feeling/Showing fright): Used with verbs like kanjiru (feel), miseru (show), or kakusu (hide).
Obie ni... (In fright): Used with verbs like furueru (to tremble in fright) or osowareru (to be seized by fright).
彼女は震える声で、心の底にある怯えを打ち明けた。(Kanojo wa furueru koe de, kokoro no soko ni aru obie wo uchiaketa.)
When describing someone's appearance, the phrase obie no iro (the color of fright) is a very common idiomatic expression. It doesn't mean a literal color, but rather the 'look' or 'aura' of fear on a person's face. If someone is 'obie-kitta' (怯えきった), it means they are completely consumed by fear, essentially 'frightened through and through.'
群衆の中には、パニックに近い怯えが広がっていた。(Gunshuu no naka ni wa, panic ni chikai obie ga hirogatte ita.)
- Formal vs. Informal
- In formal writing, obie is often used to describe social phenomena. In informal speech, people are more likely to use the adjective kowai or the verb biru (slang for being scared). However, obie remains the standard for describing the 'state' of fear in any serious context.
Another important structure is using obie as a modifier for other nouns. For instance, obie-goe (a frightened voice) or obie-gao (a frightened face). These compound-like structures are efficient ways to add descriptive detail to your Japanese sentences. When you want to emphasize the duration of the fear, you might say obie no hibi (days of fright/living in fear).
彼は怯えを押し殺して、暗い森の中へ進んだ。(Kare wa obie wo oshikoroshite, kurai mori no naka e susunda.)
In summary, treat obie as a tangible 'thing' that a person possesses or experiences. It is something that can be hidden, shown, felt, or even spread to others. By mastering the noun form, you gain the ability to describe emotions with the nuance of a native speaker, moving beyond simple adjectives into the realm of expressive, descriptive Japanese.
The word 怯え (obie) is ubiquitous in Japanese media, though its frequency varies by genre. You are most likely to hear it in contexts where human emotion and psychological states are the primary focus. Unlike casual slang, obie carries a sense of gravity and realism that makes it a favorite for storytellers and journalists alike.
- In Literature and Novels
- Japanese literature, especially the Shishosetsu (I-novel) genre, frequently uses obie to explore the protagonist's inner turmoil. Authors use it to describe the existential dread of modern life or the specific fear of social rejection.
- In Anime and Manga
- In Shonen or Seinen anime, characters often face overwhelming odds. You'll hear villains mocking a hero's obie or a narrator describing the obie felt by a village under threat. It's a key word for building tension.
「その目に宿る怯えは、本物だな。」(Sono me ni yadoru obie wa, honmono da na.)
News broadcasts and documentaries also utilize obie. When reporting on natural disasters like earthquakes, reporters might describe the obie of the residents who are experiencing aftershocks. In this context, the word conveys a collective sense of trauma and ongoing anxiety. It is also used in social commentary regarding futoukou (school refusal) or hikikomori (social withdrawal), where the obie toward the outside world is a central theme.
住民たちは、再び起こるかもしれない地震への怯えを抱えながら夜を過ごした。(Juumin-tachi wa, futatabi okoru kamoshirenai jishin e no obie wo kakaenagara yoru wo sugoshita.)
- In Music Lyrics
- J-Pop and J-Rock lyrics often use obie to describe the fear of heartbreak or the fear of the future. It provides a more poetic and vulnerable touch than simply saying 'I am scared.'
In daily life, you might hear a parent say to a child, 'Obienakute mo ii yo' (It's okay not to be scared), using the verb form, but the noun obie might be used when describing the child's state later: 'Ano ko no obie wa hidoi ne' (That child's fright is severe, isn't it?). Understanding where obie appears helps you recognize the emotional register of the conversation—it's usually a signal that the topic is serious, personal, or high-stakes.
未来への怯えを捨てて、一歩踏み出そう。(Mirai e no obie wo sutete, ippo fumidasou.)
While 怯え (obie) is a versatile word, learners often struggle with its nuance compared to other 'fear' related words. The most common mistake is using it as a direct synonym for the adjective kowai or the noun kyoufu without considering the specific imagery obie evokes.
- Mistake 1: Confusing Noun and Adjective
- Learners often try to say 'Obie desu' to mean 'I am scared.' This is grammatically awkward. Obie is the 'fright' itself. To say 'I am scared,' you should use 'Kowai desu' or 'Obiete imasu' (I am in a state of being frightened).
- Mistake 2: Overusing it for Minor Fears
- Using obie for a small spider or a spicy dish is too dramatic. Obie implies a deeper, often physical or psychological tremor. For minor things, stick to kowai.
❌ 私はクモに怯えです。
✅ 私はクモが怖いです。
Another frequent error involves the particle ni vs ga. When using the verb obieru, the source of fear is marked with ni (e.g., shiken ni obieru - to be frightened of the exam). However, when using the noun obie, the source is usually linked with e no or ni taisuru (e.g., shiken e no obie - fright toward the exam). Using ga with obie usually indicates that the fright itself is the subject doing something (e.g., obie ga kieru - the fright disappears).
❌ 彼は怯えをしました。
✅ 彼は怯えを見せました。
- Obie vs. Osore
- Osore (恐れ) often implies fear of a consequence or a respectful awe (like fear of God). Obie is more about the physical/emotional reaction of being 'scared stiff.' Don't use obie when you mean 'there is a fear/risk that...' (that's osore ga aru).
Finally, be careful with the kanji. While obie is usually written in kanji (怯え), it is occasionally seen in hiragana in children's books or very soft writing. However, for CEFR B1 and above, you should definitely recognize and use the kanji. Confusing 怯 (obie) with 怖 (kowai) is a common kanji mistake, although they share a similar radical.
To truly master 怯え (obie), you must understand its neighbors in the Japanese vocabulary of fear. Japanese has a rich array of words for different types of fright, and choosing the right one can drastically change the tone of your sentence.
- 恐怖 (Kyoufu) - Terror/Fear
- This is the most general and formal term for 'fear.' It is often used in compound words like kyoufu-eiga (horror movie). While obie is the state of being frightened, kyoufu is the emotion of fear itself. Obie feels more like a physical reaction.
- 恐れ (Osore) - Fear/Awe/Apprehension
- Osore is used for fear of future possibilities or a sense of reverence. You 'osore' a powerful deity or a potential economic crisis. Obie is more immediate and visceral.
暗闇への怯え (Obie: Physical trembling fear of the dark)
死への恐怖 (Kyoufu: Abstract, existential fear of death)
For a more informal or onomatopoeic feel, you might encounter びくびく (Bikubiku). This describes the nervous, jumpy state of someone who is constantly afraid of being scolded or discovered. While obie is a noun, bikubiku is an adverb (often used with suru). Another alternative is 戦慄 (Senritsu), which is a very formal, literary word for a 'shudder' or 'thrill of horror.'
彼は上司の顔色を伺ってびくびくしている。(Kare wa joushi no kaoiro wo ukagatte bikubiku shite iru.)
- 臆病 (Okubyou) - Cowardice
- While obie is a state, okubyou is a personality trait. Someone who frequently feels obie might be described as okubyou na hito (a cowardly/timid person).
In summary, obie sits in the middle of the spectrum—more descriptive than kowai, more physical than kyoufu, and more serious than bikubiku. When you want to describe a character in a story who is visibly shaken by a haunting experience, obie is your best choice. By comparing these synonyms, you can see that Japanese allows for very precise emotional mapping, and obie is a vital coordinate on that map.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The kanji 怯 (obie/kyou) contains the 'heart' radical and the character for 'depart'. It literally depicts a heart that is so scared it wants to leave the body!
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing 'e' as a long 'ee' sound (like 'obiee').
- Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
- Confusing the reading with 'obieru' and including the 'ru' sound.
- Pronouncing 'o' like 'oh' in English.
- Failing to pronounce the 'i' clearly, making it sound like 'ob-ye'.
مستوى الصعوبة
The kanji is moderate but common enough in literature.
The radical in the kanji can be tricky to remember correctly.
Simple to pronounce, but requires nuance to use in the right context.
Easily recognizable due to the 'o-bi-e' vowel structure.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Nominalization of Verbs
怯える (verb) -> 怯え (noun). Like 'Oshieru' -> 'Oshie'.
Using 'e no' for direction of emotion
未来への怯え (Fright toward the future).
Particle 'de' for cause
怯えで声が出ない (Cannot speak because of fright).
The suffix '-kitta' for completion
怯えきった顔 (A face completely filled with fright).
Compound Noun formation
怯え + 声 = 怯え声 (Frightened voice).
أمثلة حسب المستوى
子供は暗闇に怯えを感じた。
The child felt fright in the dark.
Obie (noun) + wo (object particle) + kanjiru (to feel).
彼の怯えは大きかった。
His fright was big (great).
Obie (noun) + wa (topic particle) + ookikatta (was big).
怯えを捨ててください。
Please throw away your fright.
Obie (noun) + wo (object particle) + sutete kudasai (please throw away).
その猫は怯えを見せた。
That cat showed fright.
Obie (noun) + wo (object particle) + miseta (showed).
怯えのない顔。
A face without fright.
Obie (noun) + no nai (without) + kao (face).
怯えで動けません。
I can't move because of fright.
Obie (noun) + de (reason particle) + ugokemasen (cannot move).
少しの怯えもありません。
There isn't even a little fright.
Sukoshi no (a little) + obie (noun) + mo (even) + arimasen (there is not).
怯えが止まらない。
The fright won't stop.
Obie (noun) + ga (subject particle) + tomaranai (does not stop).
大きな音に怯えを感じる。
I feel fright at loud noises.
Loud noise (ni) + obie (wo) + feel.
彼女の目に怯えの色があった。
There was a look of fright in her eyes.
Obie no iro (look of fright) is a common phrase.
テストへの怯えをなくしたい。
I want to get rid of my fright toward the test.
Test (e no) + obie (wo) + nakushitai (want to remove).
犬は雷に怯えを見せている。
The dog is showing fright at the lightning.
Lightning (ni) + obie (wo) + showing.
怯えを隠して笑った。
I hid my fright and laughed.
Obie (wo) + kakushite (hiding) + waratta (laughed).
心の怯えが顔に出る。
The fright in the heart shows on the face.
Heart's (no) + obie (ga) + face (ni) + shows (deru).
怯えを知らない勇者。
A hero who knows no fright.
Obie (wo) + shiranai (not knowing) + hero.
彼は怯えで震えていた。
He was trembling with fright.
Obie (de - cause) + furuete ita (was trembling).
未知の世界への怯えを克服する。
Overcome the fright toward the unknown world.
Michi no sekai (unknown world) + e no (toward) + obie.
群衆の中に怯えが広がった。
Fright spread among the crowd.
Gunshuu (crowd) + no naka (inside) + obie (ga) + hirogatta (spread).
彼女の怯えは、過去の経験から来ている。
Her fright comes from past experiences.
Obie (wa) ... kara kite iru (comes from).
失敗への怯えが、彼を消極的にさせた。
Fright of failure made him passive.
Failure (e no) + obie (ga) + made him passive.
怯えをなだめるために深呼吸した。
I took a deep breath to calm my fright.
Obie (wo) + nadameru (to calm) + tame ni (for the purpose of).
そのニュースは国民に怯えを与えた。
That news gave fright to the citizens.
Citizens (ni) + obie (wo) + ataeta (gave).
怯えを押し殺して、彼は真実を語った。
Suppressing his fright, he told the truth.
Obie (wo) + oshikoroshite (suppressing).
森の奥から、怯えを誘う声が聞こえた。
From the depths of the forest, a voice that invites fright was heard.
Obie (wo) + sasou (to invite/lure) + koe (voice).
経済の先行きに対する怯えが深刻化している。
Fright toward the future of the economy is becoming serious.
Economy's future (ni taisuru - toward) + obie.
彼は怯えきった表情で立ち尽くしていた。
He stood still with an expression completely filled with fright.
Obie-kitta (completely frightened) + hyoujou (expression).
孤独への怯えが、人を誤った道へ導くこともある。
Fright of loneliness can sometimes lead people down the wrong path.
Loneliness (e no) + obie (ga) + subject.
震災の記憶は、今も人々の心に怯えを残している。
The memory of the earthquake still leaves fright in people's hearts.
Memory (wa) ... obie (wo) + nokoshite iru (is leaving).
彼は自分の内なる怯えと向き合う決心をした。
He decided to face his inner fright.
Uchi-naru (inner) + obie (to) + mukiau (to face).
怯えの色を隠せないまま、彼女は舞台に上がった。
Unable to hide the look of fright, she went up on stage.
Obie no iro (look of fright) + wo + kakusenai (cannot hide).
その沈黙には、言葉にできない怯えが含まれていた。
In that silence, an indescribable fright was included.
Silence (ni wa) ... obie (ga) + fukumarete ita (was included).
権力への怯えが、自由な発言を妨げている。
Fright toward power is hindering free speech.
Power (e no) + obie (ga) + hindering.
実存的な怯えが、彼の創作活動の源泉となっている。
Existential fright is the source of his creative activities.
Jitsuzon-teki (existential) + obie.
社会全体の底流に、漠然とした怯えが漂っている。
A vague fright is drifting in the undercurrent of society as a whole.
Bakuzen to shita (vague) + obie.
彼は死への怯えを、宗教的な悟りによって克服した。
He overcame his fright of death through religious enlightenment.
Death (e no) + obie (wo) + overcome.
その小説は、人間の根源的な怯えを鋭く描き出している。
The novel sharply depicts the fundamental fright of human beings.
Kongen-teki (fundamental) + obie.
他者の視線に対する怯えが、現代人の病理かもしれない。
Fright toward the gaze of others might be the pathology of modern people.
Gaze of others (ni taisuru) + obie.
怯えに支配された精神は、容易に扇動に屈する。
A spirit dominated by fright easily succumbs to incitement.
Obie (ni) + shihai sareta (dominated).
彼は怯えを一種のエネルギーに変換することに成功した。
He succeeded in converting fright into a type of energy.
Obie (wo) ... energy (ni) + henkan suru (convert).
その静寂は、嵐の前の怯えを孕んでいた。
That silence was pregnant with the fright before a storm.
Arashi no mae (before the storm) + obie (wo) + harunde ita (was pregnant with).
虚無への怯えが、彼を狂気へと追いやった。
Fright toward nothingness drove him to madness.
Kyomu (nothingness) + e no + obie.
その建築物は、権威主義が生み出した怯えの象徴である。
The building is a symbol of the fright produced by authoritarianism.
Authoritarianism (ga) + umidashita (produced) + obie.
言語化し得ない怯えが、詩の行間に滲み出ている。
An unfathomable fright is seeping through the lines of the poem.
Gengo-ka shi-enai (unfathomable/cannot be verbalized) + obie.
彼は自己の深淵に潜む怯えを、冷徹な筆致で分析した。
He analyzed the fright lurking in his own abyss with a cold touch.
Shin'en (abyss) + ni hisomu (lurking) + obie.
文明の崩壊に対する怯えが、終末論的な言説を加速させている。
Fright toward the collapse of civilization is accelerating apocalyptic discourse.
Collapse (ni taisuru) + obie.
その音楽は、聴衆の心の奥底にある怯えを共鳴させた。
The music resonated with the fright at the very bottom of the audience's hearts.
Obie (wo) + kyoumei saseta (made resonate).
怯えは、しばしば崇高な美への入り口となる。
Fright often becomes the entrance to sublime beauty.
Obie (wa) ... bi (beauty) + e no (toward) + iriguchi (entrance).
彼は怯えを超越した境地に達したかのように見えた。
He appeared as if he had reached a state of mind that transcended fright.
Obie (wo) + chouetsu shita (transcended) + kyouchi (state of mind).
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— Unable to hide the look of fright. Used when someone is visibly scared despite trying not to be.
彼は平静を装っていたが、怯えの色を隠せなかった。
— To be seized by fright. Used when fear suddenly and overwhelmingly takes over.
夜道で突然、強い怯えに襲われた。
— To become frightened (often used in set phrases or older literature).
その恐ろしい光景に、人々は怯えをなした。
— To incite or fan the flames of fright. Often used regarding media or rumors.
不確かな情報が国民の怯えを煽っている。
— A chill/fright runs through (someone). Used for a sudden, sharp feeling of fear.
背筋に怯えが走った。
— Due to too much fright. Used to explain an action taken because of extreme fear.
怯えのあまり、声も出なかった。
— To wipe away or dispel fright.
新しい政策が国民の怯えを払拭した。
— Filled with fright. Often describes eyes, voices, or atmospheres.
彼女は怯えに満ちた瞳で私を見た。
— To feel or experience fright. A slightly more formal version of 'kanjiru'.
その巨大な影に怯えを覚えた。
— To be released from fright.
朝が来て、ようやく夜の怯えから解放された。
يُخلط عادةً مع
Kowasa is the noun for 'scary-ness' (the quality of the object). Obie is the 'fright' (the state of the person).
Kyoufu is more abstract and formal. Obie is more physical and visceral.
Osore is often used for 'fear of consequences' or 'reverence'. Obie is for being 'frightened'.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— The abyss of fright. Describes a state of deep, inescapable terror.
彼は怯えの淵に沈んでいた。
Literary— To be taken aback by fright (less common, but used in some dialects/older texts).
不意の出来事に怯えを食った。
Regional/Old— Pebbles of fright (metaphorical for small, sharp anxieties).
日常の些細な出来事が怯えの礫となって彼を苦しめた。
Poetic— To endure or 'chew on' one's fright internally.
彼は一人で怯えを噛み締めていた。
Literary— The shadow of fright. Refers to the lingering presence of fear.
彼の笑顔の裏には、常に怯えの影があった。
Literary— To die harboring fright (often used in historical dramas).
彼は怯えを抱いて死ぬような男ではない。
Dramatic— To turn fright into power. A common motivational idiom.
怯えを力に変えて、困難に立ち向かえ。
Motivational— To be imprisoned by fright. Describes someone who cannot act due to fear.
彼女は過去の怯えに囚われている。
Neutral— To extinguish the fire of fright. Metaphor for calming fear.
彼の優しい言葉が、私の怯えの火を消してくれた。
Poetic— To share one's fright with others. Implies seeking comfort in community.
私たちは怯えを分け合い、励まし合った。
Neutralسهل الخلط
It's the verb form of the same root.
Obieru is an action (to be frightened); Obie is the state/noun (fright).
彼は怯えている (He is being frightened). 彼の怯え (His fright).
Same reading, different kanji.
The kanji 怯 is standard for fright. 脅 usually refers to being threatened (obiyakasareru).
Standard: 怯え.
Both involve shaking.
Furue is just the 'shaking' (could be from cold or excitement). Obie is the 'fright' that causes the shaking.
寒さで震えが止まらない。
Both relate to fear.
Okubyou is a character trait (being a coward). Obie is a temporary state of fright.
彼は臆病だから、すぐに怯えを見せる。
Sounds similar (kyou-).
Kyoui is a 'threat' or 'menace' from the outside. Obie is the 'fright' inside you.
その兵器は大きな脅威だ。
أنماط الجُمل
[Noun] に怯えを感じる
雷に怯えを感じる。
[Noun] への怯えを隠せない
失敗への怯えを隠せない。
怯えに [Verb-te] いる
怯えに震えている。
怯えきった [Noun]
怯えきった表情。
怯えの色が [Verb]
怯えの色が浮かぶ。
[Noun] に対する根源的な怯え
死に対する根源的な怯え。
怯えを [Verb] に変える
怯えを力に変える。
怯えの [Noun] に沈む
怯えの深淵に沈む。
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
Common in literature, news, and dramatic media; moderate in daily casual speech.
-
Using 'obie' as an adjective (e.g., Obie hito).
→
Obiete iru hito or Okubyou na hito.
Obie is a noun. You cannot use it directly to modify another noun without 'no' or changing it to a verb form.
-
Saying 'Obie ga kowai'.
→
Obie ga hidoi (The fright is severe).
Saying 'the fright is scary' is redundant. You want to describe the intensity of the fright.
-
Using 'obie' for a joke or minor surprise.
→
Bikkuri shita! (I was surprised!)
Obie is too heavy for a simple 'jump scare' among friends. Use 'bikkuri' or 'odoroki'.
-
Confusing 怯え (obie) with 覚え (oboe).
→
怯え (fright) vs 覚え (memory/learning).
They sound similar but have completely different meanings. Check the kanji and the context carefully.
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Using 'ga' when you mean 'of'.
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Kaminari 'no' obie (Fright of thunder) or Kaminari 'e no' obie.
Particle usage is key. 'Kaminari ga obie' would mean the thunder itself is feeling fright.
نصائح
Noun vs Verb
Remember that 怯え (obie) is a noun. If you want to use it as a verb, you must use 怯える (obieru). Mixing them up is a common beginner mistake.
Visual Cues
Use 'obie no iro' (the color of fright) when you want to describe how someone looks. It's a very native-like way to express that fear is visible on their face.
Social Fright
In modern Japan, 'obie' is often used for social fears, like the fear of being judged by others (shisen e no obie). This is a common topic in social commentary.
Dramatic Effect
In creative writing, use 'obie' to build suspense. Instead of saying a room is scary, describe the 'obie' that the protagonist feels when entering it.
Softening the Blow
If you want to tell someone not to be scared, use 'Obienakute mo ii yo'. It sounds more empathetic than just saying 'Kowagaranai de'.
Radical Recognition
The 'heart' radical (忄) is key here. Most words for emotions in Japanese use this radical. Recognizing it will help you guess the meaning of new words.
Pitch Accent
The pitch rises on 'bi'. If you keep it flat, it might sound like you are saying 'obi' (a kimono belt) with an 'e' at the end. Practice the rise!
Disaster Preparedness
You will see 'obie' in signs or pamphlets about disaster safety. It's used to acknowledge that fear is natural but should be managed with preparation.
Obie vs Fuan
Use 'fuan' for general worry and 'obie' for a sharper, more immediate sense of being frightened. 'Fuan' is in the mind; 'obie' is in the body.
Storytelling
Associate 'obie' with a specific memory of when you were startled. That personal link will make the word stick much better than rote memorization.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Imagine an 'OBIE' (like a person named Obie) who is always 'OBIE-ing' (trembling) because he's scared of everything. OBIE feels OBIE.
ربط بصري
Visualize the kanji 怯: a heart (忄) running away (去). The heart is so frightened (obie) that it's leaving!
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to use 'obie' in a sentence describing a scene from a horror movie you've seen.
أصل الكلمة
The word 'obie' is the nominalized form of the verb 'obieru'. The verb 'obieru' has been used since the Heian period (794-1185) to describe the act of trembling or being startled by fear.
المعنى الأصلي: To shake or tremble due to a sudden shock or deep fear.
Japonic / Old Japanese.السياق الثقافي
Be mindful when using 'obie' to describe people, as it can imply they are 'cowardly' if used in a judgmental way. It is best used empathetically.
In English, we often use 'fear' or 'fright'. 'Obie' specifically leans toward the 'trembling/cowering' aspect of fright.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Reacting to a horror movie
- 怯えが止まらない
- 怯えを隠せない
- 怯えの色
- 怯えに震える
Discussing social anxiety
- 他人の視線への怯え
- 社会への怯え
- 未来への怯え
- 漠然とした怯え
Describing an animal's behavior
- 人間に怯えを見せる
- 怯えきった子猫
- 怯えで動かない
- 怯えをなだめる
Literary analysis
- 根源的な怯え
- 怯えの描写
- 主人公の怯え
- 怯えがテーマ
Natural disaster reports
- 余震への怯え
- 被災者の怯え
- 怯えを抱える
- 怯えを払拭する
بدايات محادثة
"ホラー映画を見た後、怯えを感じることはありますか? (Do you feel fright after watching a horror movie?)"
"子供の頃、何に一番怯えを感じていましたか? (What did you feel the most fright toward as a child?)"
"最近のニュースで、社会に怯えが広がっていると感じることはありますか? (Do you feel like fright is spreading in society due to recent news?)"
"プレゼンの前、怯えをどうやって克服していますか? (How do you overcome your fright before a presentation?)"
"未知の場所へ一人で行くとき、怯えを感じますか、それともワクワクしますか? (When going to an unknown place alone, do you feel fright or excitement?)"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
自分がこれまでに感じた最大の「怯え」について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about the greatest 'fright' you have felt so far.)
現代社会において、人々が抱いている「怯え」の原因は何だと思いますか? (What do you think is the cause of the 'fright' people harbor in modern society?)
「怯え」と「勇気」の関係について、あなたの考えを述べてください。 (State your thoughts on the relationship between 'fright' and 'courage'.)
もし「怯え」という感情がこの世から消えたら、世界はどうなるでしょうか? (If the emotion of 'fright' disappeared from this world, what would happen?)
あなたが「怯え」を克服した時の経験を共有してください。 (Share an experience from when you overcame 'fright'.)
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, but it's slightly more formal and descriptive than 'kowai'. You'll hear it more in stories or when someone is describing their feelings seriously rather than just reacting to something scary in the moment.
Yes! You can say 'Obie wo kanjiru' (I feel fright) while watching it. It describes the lingering feeling of being scared.
Think of 'kyoufu' as 'terror' (more formal/abstract) and 'obie' as 'fright' (more physical/shaking). 'Obie' implies a certain vulnerability.
It is written as 怯え. The kanji 怯 has the heart radical on the left and 'depart/go away' on the right.
Absolutely. It's very common to describe a stray dog or cat as having 'obie' toward humans.
The most common slang for being scared is 'bibiru'. 'Obie' is too formal for most slang contexts.
Not always, but it strongly implies a state where one *could* shake. It's about the internal tremor of fear.
Usually 'wo' (obie wo kanjiru), 'ga' (obie ga aru), or 'ni' (obie ni furueru).
It's technically understandable but sounds very unnatural. Better to say 'Obiete imasu' or 'Kowai desu'.
Yes, it typically appears around the N2/N3 level, which corresponds to CEFR B1/B2.
اختبر نفسك 200 أسئلة
「怯え」を使って、ホラー映画を見た後の感想を1文で書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯えの色」という表現を使って、誰かの表情を説明してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「未来への怯え」をテーマに、短い文章を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯えを克服する」というフレーズを使って、アドバイスを書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯えに震える」を使って、嵐の夜の様子を表現してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」と「勇気」を両方使って文を作ってください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯えを隠す」を使って、スパイ映画のようなシーンを書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」を使って、子供が暗闇を怖がる様子を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯えをなだめる」を使って、お母さんが子供を慰めるシーンを書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」という言葉を使って、自分の弱点を説明してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯えきった」を使って、事件現場の目撃者を説明してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」を使って、試験前の気持ちを書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」を使って、自然の脅威を表現してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯えを誘う」を使って、不気味な場所を描写してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」という名詞を使って、社会問題を批判してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」を使って、スポーツの試合前の緊張を表現してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」を使って、新しい環境への不安を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」を使って、猫が掃除機を嫌がる様子を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」を使って、深い霧の中を歩くシーンを書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」を使って、自分の成長を振り返ってください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「怯え」を使って、最近怖かったことについて話してください。
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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「未来への怯え」をどのように克服すべきか、あなたの意見を述べてください。
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「怯えの色を隠せない」というフレーズを使って、短いストーリーを話してください。
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子供が暗闇に「怯え」を感じているとき、あなたならどう声をかけますか?
Read this aloud:
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「怯え」と「恐怖」の違いについて、日本語で説明してみてください。
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あなたが「怯え」を力に変えた経験があれば、教えてください。
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「怯え」という言葉を使って、ニュースキャスターのように社会不安をレポートしてください。
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قلت:
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「怯えきった顔」をしている人を見かけたら、どうしますか?
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「未知のものへの怯え」について、どう思いますか?
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「怯え」を使って、ホラーハウスの感想を話してください。
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「怯えを押し殺して」を使って、勇気ある行動を説明してください。
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「怯え」を感じるシチュエーションを3つ挙げてください。
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「怯え」という言葉を使って、自分の性格を説明してください。
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قلت:
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「怯え」を含む文を、感情を込めて音読してください。「心の底にある怯えが、私を震わせている。」
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「怯えを分かち合う」ことのメリットを話してください。
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「怯え」を使って、試験に落ちた時のことを話してください。
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「怯え」を使って、雷が苦手な友達について話してください。
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「怯えを誘う」を使って、怖い話の導入部分を作ってください。
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「怯え」を使って、迷子になった時の気持ちを話してください。
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「怯え」を使って、面接前の緊張を表現してください。
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音声を聞いて、話し手が何に対して「怯え」を感じているか答えてください。(※音声代わり:『最近、夜道で後ろに誰かいるような気がして、怯えを感じるんです。』)
音声を聞いて、空欄を埋めてください。(※音声代わり:『彼の瞳には、隠しきれない怯えの色があった。』)
音声を聞いて、話し手の感情を1語で答えてください。(※音声代わり:『あんな恐ろしい経験は二度としたくない。思い出すだけで怯えが止まらないよ。』)
音声を聞いて、正しい文を選んでください。(※音声代わり:『怯えを捨てて、一歩踏み出そう。』)
音声を聞いて、話し手がこれから何をしようとしているか答えてください。(※音声代わり:『子供たちの怯えをなだめるために、物語を読んであげます。』)
音声を聞いて、話し手の性格を推測してください。(※音声代わり:『私は昔から少し怯え性で、新しい環境に馴染むのが苦手なんです。』)
音声を聞いて、空欄を埋めてください。(※音声代わり:『未来への怯えを払拭するのは簡単ではない。』)
音声を聞いて、話し手が驚いた理由を答えてください。(※音声代わり:『突然の大きな音に、心臓が止まるかと思うほどの怯えを感じたよ。』)
音声を聞いて、話し手が何について語っているか答えてください。(※音声代わり:『この映画のテーマは、人間の根源的な怯えです。』)
音声を聞いて、話し手の今の状態を答えてください。(※音声代わり:『ごめんなさい、怯えで声が震えてしまって…。』)
音声を聞いて、話し手がアドバイスしている内容を答えてください。(※音声代わり:『怯えを押し殺すのではなく、それを受け入れることが大切だよ。』)
音声を聞いて、空欄を埋めてください。(※音声代わり:『街全体に怯えが広がっている。』)
音声を聞いて、話し手の過去の経験を答えてください。(※音声代わり:『私はかつて、孤独への怯えから間違った選択をしてしまった。』)
音声を聞いて、正しい情報を答えてください。(※音声代わり:『怯えきった表情の彼女を見て、私はすぐに駆け寄った。』)
音声を聞いて、最後の単語を答えてください。(※音声代わり:『そのニュースは、多くの人に怯えを…与えた。』)
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 怯え (obie) is a nuanced noun for 'fright' that captures both the mental feeling and the physical trembling of fear. For example, 'Kare no me ni wa obie ga atta' (There was fright in his eyes). Use it to add emotional depth to your descriptions.
- Obie is a noun meaning 'fright' or 'terror,' derived from the verb 'obieru.' It describes the state of being afraid.
- It is more descriptive and formal than the simple adjective 'kowai' (scary) and focuses on the subject's internal state.
- Commonly used in literature and news to describe deep anxieties, physical trembling, or a look of fear on someone's face.
- Key grammatical patterns include 'obie wo kanjiru' (feel fright) and 'obie no iro' (a look of fright).
Noun vs Verb
Remember that 怯え (obie) is a noun. If you want to use it as a verb, you must use 怯える (obieru). Mixing them up is a common beginner mistake.
Visual Cues
Use 'obie no iro' (the color of fright) when you want to describe how someone looks. It's a very native-like way to express that fear is visible on their face.
Social Fright
In modern Japan, 'obie' is often used for social fears, like the fear of being judged by others (shisen e no obie). This is a common topic in social commentary.
Dramatic Effect
In creative writing, use 'obie' to build suspense. Instead of saying a room is scary, describe the 'obie' that the protagonist feels when entering it.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات emotions
ぼんやり
B1بشكل غامض؛ بذهول. يستخدم لوصف رؤية غير واضحة أو حالة ذهنية من عدم التركيز.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1إمساك شيء متحرك أو تقبل مشاعر أو انتقادات بجدية.
達成感
B1الشعور بالرضا والفخر عند إكمال مهمة بنجاح أو تحقيق هدف. إنها مكافأة لجهودك.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1التكيف مع بيئة جديدة هو مفتاح النجاح.
健気な
B2يصف شخصاً (غالباً ما يكون ضعيفاً أو طفلاً) يظهر شجاعة مثيرة للإعجاب وروحاً صلبة رغم الصعوبات.
感心な
B1مثيرة للإعجاب؛ جدير بالثناء. 'إنه طفل مثير للإعجاب يساعد والديه دائمًا.' 'موقفه تجاه العمل مثير للإعجاب حقًا.'
感心
B1الإعجاب أو الانبهار بسلوك شخص ما أو جهده.
感心する
B1أن تُعجب بمهارة شخص ما أو سلوكه.