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March 24, 2026
恐惧(恐懼)kǒngjù(kong3ju4)
恐惧 (kǒng jù) refers to a strong emotional response of fear or dread, often associated with anxiety about potential threats or harm. It is commonly used in both everyday language and formal contexts, such as psychology, to describe a state of fear or phobia. The nuance of this term suggests a deep, sometimes overwhelming sense of fear rather than just a momentary fright.
Frequency#1641DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 恐惧 can be linked to traditional beliefs in ghosts and spirits, which often evoke fear in folklore and stories. This connection highlights the importance of understanding fear within the context of cultural narratives.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'kong' (空) balloon that is too scared to pop (惧) because of the fear of making a loud noise. Visualize the balloon trembling in anticipation, which can help you remember both the sound and meaning of 恐惧.
Meanings of 恐惧
kǒngjù(kong3ju4)
1fear
2dread
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 恐惧
恐惧Simplified
恐懼Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#1641Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 恐惧
Podcast: 恐惧
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AI Study Notes for 恐惧
Quick Contrast
害怕 (hàipà) — use 恐惧 for a deeper, more overwhelming fear, while 害怕 conveys a more general or transient fear.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'kong' (空) balloon that is too scared to pop (惧) because of the fear of making a loud noise. Visualize the balloon trembling in anticipation, which can help you remember both the sound and meaning of 恐惧.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 恐惧 with other words for fear, such as 害怕 (hàipà), which is more casual. 恐惧 is more formal and can imply a deeper psychological state. Common collocations include '恐惧症' (kǒng jù zhèng) meaning phobia, and it's important to use the correct tone to convey the intensity of fear.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 恐惧 connects with other emotional vocabulary such as 快乐 (kuàilè - happiness) and 悲伤 (bēishāng - sadness). Students should focus on the emotional context in which this term is used and practice forming sentences that express various states of fear.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 恐惧 can be linked to traditional beliefs in ghosts and spirits, which often evoke fear in folklore and stories. This connection highlights the importance of understanding fear within the context of cultural narratives.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 恐惧 by confusing the tones, leading to misunderstandings. For example, saying 'kōng jù' can change the meaning entirely. Ensure to maintain the third and fourth tones correctly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 恐惧
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Grammar Patterns of 恐惧
恐惧 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
执行死刑的动机是要灌输____。
The motive of the executions would be to instil fear.
I would overcome any weakness, any despair, any fear.
10
亨特又点了点头，满眼恐惧地朝上望去。
hēng tè yòu diǎn le diǎn tóu， ， mǎn yǎn kǒng jù dì zhāo shàng wàng。
Hunter nodded again and gazed upwards in fear.
Cultural Notes for 恐惧
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 恐惧 can be linked to traditional beliefs in ghosts and spirits, which often evoke fear in folklore and stories. This connection highlights the importance of understanding fear within the context of cultural narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions about 恐惧
恐惧 is more intense and formal, often used in psychological contexts, while 害怕 is more casual and can describe everyday fears.
Generally, 恐惧 has a negative connotation, but it can be used in literature or discussions to explore complex emotions.
Yes, '恐惧症' (kǒng jù zhèng) means phobia, which is a common usage in both everyday language and clinical settings.
