verb / adjective HSK 5
to fear · to be afraid · fearful · I'm afraid that...
Meaning
恐 is a somewhat literary or formal character meaning 'to fear' or expressing apprehension. It appears frequently in compound words related to fear, terror, or worry. On its own, it can also function as a hedge word meaning 'I'm afraid that...' or 'perhaps', softening a statement.
Usage
While 恐 appears alone in classical Chinese and formal writing, modern spoken Mandarin typically uses it in compounds like 恐怕, 恐惧, or 恐怖. When used independently in modern contexts, it often appears in writing to express polite concern or hesitation, similar to 'I fear that...' in English.
Examples
- 01恐他不会同意这个计划。.I fear he won't agree to this plan.
- 02我们惟恐错过这次机会。.We're afraid of missing this opportunity.
Common collocations
- 恐怕不行I'm afraid that won't work
- 惟恐for fear that, lest
- 恐慌panic, panicky
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines 巩 (gǒng, meaning 'to consolidate' or phonetic component) with the radical 心 (xīn, 'heart'), suggesting emotional fear or anxiety felt in the heart.