At the A1 level, '怯え' (obie) might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a noun version of 'scary' (kowai). Think of it as 'the feeling of being scared.' In English, we say 'I am scared' using an adjective. In Japanese, 'obie' is the name of that feeling. You might see it in simple stories where a character is afraid of a monster. Imagine a small child shaking because they are afraid of the dark—that shaking and that feeling is 'obie.' You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but if you see it, just remember it means 'fright' or 'fear.' It is related to the verb 'obieru,' which means 'to be frightened.' Even at this level, knowing that Japanese has special words for feelings can help you understand the language better.
For A2 learners, you should start recognizing '怯え' (obie) as a noun. You already know 'kowai' (scary) and maybe 'kowagaru' (to act scared). 'Obie' is more formal and descriptive. It is often used in the pattern 'Obie wo kanjiru' (to feel fright). You might hear it in anime or read it in simple manga when a character is in a dangerous situation. It's a great word to use when you want to describe a 'state' of fear rather than just saying something is scary. For example, 'Kare no obie' means 'his fright.' It helps you talk about people's emotions more clearly. Try to notice it when characters in your favorite shows are trembling—that's the perfect time for the word 'obie.'
At the B1 level, you are expected to understand and use '怯え' (obie) in more complex contexts. This word is perfect for describing psychological states. You should be able to use it with particles like 'e no' (fright toward...) or 'ni yoru' (fright caused by...). For instance, 'michi no mono e no obie' (fright toward the unknown). This level is where you move beyond simple adjectives and start using nouns to add depth to your descriptions. You will see 'obie' in news reports about social issues or in modern literature. It's also common in idiomatic expressions like 'obie no iro' (a look of fright). Practice using it to describe how someone looks or feels in a stressful situation, like before a big presentation or during a storm.
At the B2 level, '怯え' (obie) becomes a tool for nuanced expression. You should understand the difference between 'obie' and its synonyms like 'kyoufu' (terror) or 'senritsu' (shudder). 'Obie' has a visceral, physical nuance—it implies the trembling or cowering that comes with fear. You can use it to describe societal trends, such as 'keizai-fuan e no obie' (fright toward economic instability). You should also be comfortable with compound words and literary uses. For example, 'obie-kitta hyoujou' (a face completely frozen in fright). At this level, you should be able to discuss the emotional impact of a story or a real-life event using 'obie' to describe the vulnerability of the people involved. It is a key word for expressing empathy and deep psychological observation.
For C1 learners, '怯え' (obie) is a word that allows for sophisticated literary and philosophical discussion. You can explore its usage in the works of authors like Natsume Soseki or Akutagawa Ryunosuke, where 'obie' often represents existential dread or the fragility of the human ego. You should be able to analyze how 'obie' functions as a motif in a narrative. Furthermore, you can use it in high-level debates about psychology or sociology, discussing how 'obie' can be manipulated by media or politics. You should have a firm grasp of all its collocations and be able to use it effortlessly in writing to create a specific atmosphere. The nuance of 'obie' as an instinctive, almost animalistic fright compared to the more intellectual 'osore' should be clear to you.
At the C2 level, your mastery of '怯え' (obie) should be near-native. You understand the historical development of the word and its kanji, and you can perceive the subtle emotional 'shading' it provides in the most complex texts. You can use 'obie' to write evocative prose or poetry, using its phonetic qualities to enhance the mood. You are also aware of how the word has evolved in modern slang or pop culture, even if it's rarely used there. You can explain the psychological difference between 'obie' (the state of fright) and 'obiyakasu' (the act of threatening) and how they relate within the Japanese linguistic web. Your usage is precise, choosing 'obie' over 'kyoufu' only when the specific nuance of trembling, cowering vulnerability is required for the intended impact.

怯え 30秒了解

  • 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.)

Translation: There was a look of fright in his eyes that he couldn't hide.

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.)

Translation: That dog feels a sense of fright toward humans due to past trauma.
Visualizing the Kanji
The kanji 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.)

Translation: Fright toward the unknown clouded people's judgment.

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.)

Translation: With a trembling voice, she confessed the fright at the bottom of her heart.

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.)

Translation: A fright close to panic was spreading among the crowd.
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.)

Translation: Suppressing his fright, he advanced into the dark forest.

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.)

Translation: "The fright dwelling in those eyes is the real thing, isn't it?" (Common anime trope)

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.)

Translation: The residents spent the night harboring a fright toward the earthquake that might happen again.
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.)

Translation: Let's throw away our fright of the future and take a step forward.

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。

Note: Use 'kowai' for simple 'scared of' statements.

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。

Note: You 'show' (miseru) or 'feel' (kanjiru) obie, you don't 'do' (suru) it.
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.)

Translation: He is nervous/jumpy, watching his boss's facial expressions.
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?

趣味小知识

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!

发音指南

UK o.bi.e
US o.bi.e
Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. In 'obie', the pitch typically starts low on 'o' and rises on 'bi' and 'e' (LHH), though this can vary by dialect.
押韵词
冷え (Hie - chill) 見え (Mie - appearance) 栄え (Sakae - prosperity) 教え (Oshie - teaching) 覚え (Oboe - memory) 答え (Kotae - answer) 備え (Sonae - preparation) 迎え (Mukae - meeting/greeting)
常见错误
  • 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'.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

The kanji is moderate but common enough in literature.

写作 4/5

The radical in the kanji can be tricky to remember correctly.

口语 3/5

Simple to pronounce, but requires nuance to use in the right context.

听力 2/5

Easily recognizable due to the 'o-bi-e' vowel structure.

接下来学什么

前置知识

怖い (Kowai) 恐ろしい (Osoroshii) 心 (Kokoro) 震える (Furueru) 感じる (Kanjiru)

接下来学习

恐怖 (Kyoufu) 恐れ (Osore) 戦慄 (Senritsu) 脅かす (Obiyakasu) 臆病 (Okubyou)

高级

疑心暗鬼 (Gishin-anki) 戦戦兢兢 (Sensen-kyoukyou) 小心翼翼 (Shoushin-yoku-yoku) 恐縮 (Kyoushuku) 畏敬 (Ikei)

需要掌握的语法

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).

按水平分级的例句

1

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).

2

彼の怯えは大きかった。

His fright was big (great).

Obie (noun) + wa (topic particle) + ookikatta (was big).

3

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).

4

その猫は怯えを見せた。

That cat showed fright.

Obie (noun) + wo (object particle) + miseta (showed).

5

怯えのない顔。

A face without fright.

Obie (noun) + no nai (without) + kao (face).

6

怯えで動けません。

I can't move because of fright.

Obie (noun) + de (reason particle) + ugokemasen (cannot move).

7

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).

8

怯えが止まらない。

The fright won't stop.

Obie (noun) + ga (subject particle) + tomaranai (does not stop).

1

大きな音に怯えを感じる。

I feel fright at loud noises.

Loud noise (ni) + obie (wo) + feel.

2

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.

3

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).

4

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.

5

怯えを隠して笑った。

I hid my fright and laughed.

Obie (wo) + kakushite (hiding) + waratta (laughed).

6

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).

7

怯えを知らない勇者。

A hero who knows no fright.

Obie (wo) + shiranai (not knowing) + hero.

8

彼は怯えで震えていた。

He was trembling with fright.

Obie (de - cause) + furuete ita (was trembling).

1

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.

2

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).

3

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).

4

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.

5

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).

6

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).

7

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).

8

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).

1

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.

2

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).

3

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.

4

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).

5

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).

6

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).

7

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).

8

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.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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).

7

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).

8

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).

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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).

7

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).

8

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).

常见搭配

怯えを感じる
怯えの色
怯えを隠す
怯えに震える
怯えをなだめる
怯えが広がる
怯えを誘う
怯えを抱く
怯えを克服する
怯えきった顔

常用短语

怯えの色を隠せない

— 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。

怯えに襲われる

— 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。

怯えをなす

— 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。

怯えを煽る

— 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。

怯えが走る

— A chill/fright runs through (someone). Used for a sudden, sharp feeling of fear.

背筋に怯えが走った。

怯えのあまり

— 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。

怯えを払拭する

— To wipe away or dispel fright.

新しい政策が国民の怯えを払拭した。

怯えに満ちた

— Filled with fright. Often describes eyes, voices, or atmospheres.

彼女は怯えに満ちた瞳で私を見た。

怯えを覚える

— 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。

怯えから解放される

— To be released from fright.

朝が来て、ようやく夜の怯えから解放された。

容易混淆的词

怯え vs 怖さ (Kowasa)

Kowasa is the noun for 'scary-ness' (the quality of the object). Obie is the 'fright' (the state of the person).

怯え vs 恐怖 (Kyoufu)

Kyoufu is more abstract and formal. Obie is more physical and visceral.

怯え vs 恐れ (Osore)

Osore is often used for 'fear of consequences' or 'reverence'. Obie is for being 'frightened'.

习语与表达

"怯えの淵"

— The abyss of fright. Describes a state of deep, inescapable terror.

彼は怯えの淵に沈んでいた。

Literary
"怯えを食う"

— 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
"怯えの礫"

— 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
"怯えを噛み締める"

— 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
"怯えの影"

— 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
"怯えを抱いて死ぬ"

— 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
"怯えを力に変える"

— 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
"怯えに囚われる"

— 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
"怯えの火を消す"

— 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
"怯えを分け合う"

— 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。

Neutral

容易混淆

怯え vs 怯える (Obieru)

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).

怯え vs 脅える (Obieru - rare kanji)

Same reading, different kanji.

The kanji 怯 is standard for fright. 脅 usually refers to being threatened (obiyakasareru).

Standard: 怯え.

怯え vs 震え (Furue)

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。

怯え vs 臆病 (Okubyou)

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。

怯え vs 脅威 (Kyoui)

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。

句型

A2

[Noun] に怯えを感じる

雷に怯えを感じる。

B1

[Noun] への怯えを隠せない

失敗への怯えを隠せない。

B1

怯えに [Verb-te] いる

怯えに震えている。

B2

怯えきった [Noun]

怯えきった表情。

B2

怯えの色が [Verb]

怯えの色が浮かぶ。

C1

[Noun] に対する根源的な怯え

死に対する根源的な怯え。

C1

怯えを [Verb] に変える

怯えを力に変える。

C2

怯えの [Noun] に沈む

怯えの深淵に沈む。

词族

名词

怯え (Obie - Fright)
怯懦 (Kyouda - Cowardice/Timidness)

动词

怯える (Obieru - To be frightened/tremble)
怯えさせる (Obiesaseru - To frighten someone)

形容词

怯えきった (Obiekitta - Completely frightened)
怯えがちな (Obiegachi na - Prone to fright)

相关

怖い (Kowai)
恐ろしい (Osoroshii)
恐怖 (Kyoufu)
臆病 (Okubyou)
ビビる (Bibiru - Slang)

如何使用

frequency

Common in literature, news, and dramatic media; moderate in daily casual speech.

常见错误
  • 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.

  • Using 'ga' when you mean 'of'. 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.

小贴士

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.

记住它

记忆技巧

Imagine an 'OBIE' (like a person named Obie) who is always 'OBIE-ing' (trembling) because he's scared of everything. OBIE feels OBIE.

视觉联想

Visualize the kanji 怯: a heart (忄) running away (去). The heart is so frightened (obie) that it's leaving!

Word Web

Heart Trembling Darkness Vulnerability Shadows Anxiety Startle Terror

挑战

Try to use 'obie' in a sentence describing a scene from a horror movie you've seen.

词源

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.

原始含义: To shake or tremble due to a sudden shock or deep fear.

Japonic / Old Japanese.

文化背景

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.

Used frequently in the lyrics of the band 'Dir En Grey' to describe dark emotions. Appears in the psychological descriptions of characters in Natsume Soseki's novel 'Kokoro'. Commonly heard in the anime 'Attack on Titan' (Shingeki no Kyojin) when humans face Titans.

在生活中练习

真实语境

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

对话开场白

"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?)"

日记主题

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'.)

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, 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.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

「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.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「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:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「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。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「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。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

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:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「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。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

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。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「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。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「怯えきった顔」をしている人を見かけたら、どうしますか?

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「未知のものへの怯え」について、どう思いますか?

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「怯え」を使って、ホラーハウスの感想を話してください。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「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。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「怯え」を感じるシチュエーションを3つ挙げてください。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「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。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「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。」

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「怯えを分かち合う」ことのメリットを話してください。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「怯え」を使って、試験に落ちた時のことを話してください。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「怯え」を使って、雷が苦手な友達について話してください。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「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。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「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。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

「怯え」を使って、面接前の緊張を表現してください。

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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…。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

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。』)

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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