verb / adjective HSK 3
to be afraid · to fear · to be scared
Meaning
害怕 means to feel fear or be scared of something. It describes an emotional state of anxiety or terror when confronted with danger, uncertainty, or something perceived as threatening. It can be used both as a standalone verb and as an adjective describing someone's state.
Usage
Native speakers use 害怕 in everyday conversation to express fear ranging from mild nervousness to intense terror. It commonly takes objects introduced by direct placement or with 对 (duì). More colloquial alternatives include 怕 (pà) alone or 恐怖 (kǒng bù) for extreme fear. Can be intensified with 很 (hěn) or 非常 (fēi cháng).
Examples
- 01小孩子晚上一个人在家会害怕。.Children will be scared staying home alone at night.
- 02别害怕，我会保护你的。, .Don't be afraid, I will protect you.
Characters
Common collocations
- 害怕黑暗to be afraid of the dark
- 不要害怕don't be afraid
- 感到害怕to feel afraid
- 对...害怕...to be afraid of...
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 害 (harm/injury) with 怕 (fear) to emphasize the sense of being afraid of potential harm or danger.