Meaning & usage
恐れがある expresses that there is an objective risk that something bad may happen, often used in warnings, news reports and formal announcements. It follows the plain non-past form of a verb, as in 割れる恐れがある, or a noun with の, as in 洪水の恐れがある. It does not describe a personal feeling of fear, and it is used only for undesirable outcomes, not for neutral or positive events.
Example sentences 5
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そういう事故は再発するおそれがある。
Such an accident is likely to happen again.
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私たちは命を失うおそれがあった。
We were in danger of losing our lives.
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グラスに熱湯を入れると割れる恐れがあるので、入れないでください。
Don't pour hot water into a glass, or it may crack.
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もう少し雨がひどくなると、洪水の恐れがある。
A little heavier rain might cause a flood.
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その美しい鳥は絶滅の恐れがあると言われています。
The beautiful bird is said to be in danger of dying out.
