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恐怕

kǒngpà

Description

"恐怕"用来说一件你担心会发生的事,意思差不多是"可能",但常常有不好的感觉。

"恐怕" is used to talk about something you worry might happen, similar to "probably," but often with a negative feeling.

比如天很黑的时候,你可以说:"恐怕要下雨了。"

For example, when the sky is very dark, you can say: "恐怕 it's going to rain."

Meanings

恐怕kǒngpà

probably; I'm afraid (that something bad may happen)

我恐怕来不了了。

I'm afraid I can't make it.

恐怕kǒngpà

to fear that; to be afraid that

他恐怕别人不相信他。

He's afraid others won't believe him.

Related words

Notes

  • Etymology

    恐 (to fear) + 怕 (to be afraid), two near-synonyms combined.

  • Nuance

    unlike neutral 可能, 恐怕 adds a worried tone about an unwanted outcome.

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