恐れ

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 恐れ, read おそれ, and it is a noun form related to the verb 恐れる.
• Basic usage: 恐れ is either fear felt toward something threatening or concern about the risk that an undesirable event may occur.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Risk of an event and the emotion of fear
  • Both examples use the form 恐れ. 恐れがある presents the possibility of a river overflowing, while fear directed toward something describes a person's emotion toward a dark forest.
• Flood risk after heavy rain and overcoming fear of a forest
  • 強い雨で川があふれる恐れがある。 — There is a risk that the river will overflow because of the heavy rain.
  • 暗い森への恐れを克服して一歩踏み出した。 — I overcame my fear of the dark forest and took a step forward.