怯える

• Reading: おびえる
• Romaji: obieru
• Kanji breakdown: 怯 (kyō/obi) — timid, frightened, cowardly
• Pronunciation: /o.bi.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To become frightened; to be scared of; to cower in fear. Describes a state of trembling or cowering from something threatening.

A Group 2 (ichidan) intransitive verb that conveys being gripped by fear, often visibly so. Unlike simply being afraid (怖がる), 怯える implies a deeper, more visceral reaction — trembling, cowering, or shrinking back. Often used for animals, children, or anyone in a state of genuine terror.

Examples

1. 犬は雷の音に怯えて机の下に隠れた。 The dog cowered in fear at the sound of thunder and hid under the desk.
2. 子供たちは暗闇に怯えていた。 The children were cowering in fear of the dark.
3. 地震の後、住民は余震に怯える日々を送った。 After the earthquake, residents spent their days living in fear of aftershocks.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, literature, daily life

Tone: empathetic

Origin & History

The kanji 怯 combines 忄 (heart radical) and 去 (leave, go away), suggesting a heart that wants to flee — a vivid depiction of fear causing the desire to escape.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal