恐怕 kǒngpà

恐怕（kǒngpà）means “I'm afraid; probably (worried guess)”. "恐怕" expresses a guess or estimate colored by worry — the speaker fears the outcome will be unfavorable. Formation: 恐怕 + 句子（多为不如意的推测）

I'm afraid; probably (worried guess)

HSK4

Formation

恐怕 + 句子（多为不如意的推测）

Explanation

"恐怕" expresses a guess or estimate colored by worry — the speaker fears the outcome will be unfavorable. It often precedes a negative or undesirable result and softens a blunt prediction into a concerned one.

Examples

天这么黑，恐怕要下雨了。
tiān zhème hēi, kǒngpà yào xiàyǔ le
The sky is so dark; I'm afraid it's going to rain.
这么晚了，他恐怕不会来了。
zhème wǎn le, tā kǒngpà bú huì lái le
It's so late; I'm afraid he won't come anymore.

Note

Unlike a neutral "probably," 恐怕 carries a note of worry; rarely used for good news.

FAQ

恐怕 — what does it mean and how is it used?

I'm afraid; probably (worried guess). "恐怕" expresses a guess or estimate colored by worry — the speaker fears the outcome will be unfavorable. It often precedes a negative or undesirable result and softens a blunt prediction into a concerned one.

恐怕 — how do you form it?

恐怕 + 句子（多为不如意的推测）

恐怕 — any usage notes?

Unlike a neutral "probably," 恐怕 carries a note of worry; rarely used for good news.

Learn in the app →