害怕

• Pinyin: hài pà
• Hanzi breakdown: 害 = 宀 (roof) + 丰 + 口 — harm or fear under a roof; 怕 = 忄(heart) + 白 (white) — heart turning white with fear

Meaning

To be afraid; to fear; scared. The feeling of fear or anxiety about something.

A common verb-adjective for expressing fear. Can be followed directly by the thing feared: 害怕黑 (afraid of the dark), 害怕蛇 (afraid of snakes). Also used as a standalone adjective: 很害怕 (very scared). More colloquial and emotional than 恐惧 (dread/terror).

Examples

1. 小时候我很害怕打雷。 When I was little, I was very afraid of thunder.
2. 不要害怕，有我在呢。 Don't be scared — I'm here.
3. 她害怕一个人走夜路。 She is afraid of walking alone at night.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, everyday, children

Tone: emotional

Do Say

• 你害怕什么？(What are you afraid of?)
• 别害怕，我来帮你。(Don't be scared — I'll help you.)

Don't Say

• 我害怕明天会下雨。(For worry about a possible event, use 担心 instead. Say 我担心明天会下雨.)

Origin & History

Compound of 害 (harm/to cause fear) and 怕 (to fear). Both characters relate to fear, with 害 adding the sense of being harmed or threatened.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal