Definition
恐 is a bound form (b.f.) — it cannot stand alone as an independent word. You'll encounter it in compound words or set phrases expressing either fear (恐惧 'fear', 恐怖 'terror', 恐吓 'intimidate') or tentative speculation (恐怕 'I'm afraid that; perhaps'). The speculative sense is unique: 恐怕 introduces a cautious or worried guess, similar to 'I'm afraid that...' in English.
b.f.
(bound form) fearterror(bound form) to intimidateto terrify(bound form) I'm afraid thatperhaps (in 恐怕)
Examples
- ，。Zhè bù diànyǐng tài kǒng bù le, wǒ bù gǎn kàn.This movie is too scary; I don't dare watch it.
- ，。Tā jīngcháng kǒng hè biérén, jiéguǒ méi rén xǐhuan tā.He often intimidates others, and as a result no one likes him.
- ，。kǒng pà tā lái bù liǎo, wǒmen zài děng yíhuìr ba.I'm afraid he can't make it; let's wait a little longer.
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