Definition
恐怕 (kǒng pà) is used as an adverb to express polite, cautious speculation — 'I'm afraid that...' — often implying a negative or undesirable outcome. It is more tentative and formal than 可能 (kě néng, neutral 'maybe') and more polite than 怕 (pà, colloquial 'I'm afraid'). As a verb, it means 'to fear, to dread' but is less common than 怕.
verb
to fearto dread
adverb
I'm afraid that...perhaps (polite, cautious speculation)
Examples
- 恐怕，。Tā kǒng pà chídào, suǒyǐ jīntiān qǐ de hěn zǎo.He was afraid of being late, so he got up very early today.
- 恐怕，。kǒng pà míngtiān huì xià yǔ, nǐ dài sǎn ba.I'm afraid it might rain tomorrow. Take an umbrella.
- 恐怕。kǒng pà tā bú huì tóngyì wǒmen de jìhuà.I'm afraid he won't agree with our plan.
Grammar
Browse more HSK 4 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.