恐れがある
There is a risk or fear that, Be in danger of, Possibility of
Structure
［い］Adjective + 恐れがある
［な］Adjective + な(2) + 恐れがある
Noun + の(2) + 恐れがある
(1) Verb［ない］
(2) である
Explanation
The expression 恐れがある is used to state that 'there is a risk of (A)' or 'there is a danger of (A)'. It combines the noun 恐れ ('risk' or 'fear') with が and the verb ある ('to exist'). 恐れがある is typically used to give a warning about a potential negative event or outcome that could happen in a specific circumstance.
恐れ is typically attached to the plain form of a verb, or to a noun using the particle の.
- 台風が近づいているので、川が氾濫する恐れがあります。As the typhoon is getting closer, there's a risk of the river flooding.
- 大雨による土砂崩れの恐れがあるため、この道は通行止めです。This road is closed due to the danger of landslides from the heavy rain.
The noun 恐れ inherently implies a sense of apprehension about something. Because of this, it can also be translated as 'concern', 'worry', or 'anxiety' based on the specific context.
Fun-fact
Besides being followed by がある, 恐れ is also frequently paired with other verbs. Two common phrases are 恐れを抱く, meaning 'to harbor a fear of (A)', and 恐れが強まる, meaning 'for the risk of (A) to increase' or 'for the fear of (A) to grow stronger'.
- 多くの人が、AIに仕事を奪われるのではないかと恐れを抱いている。Many people harbor fears that their jobs will be taken over by AI.
- 冬になると、インフルエンザの感染の恐れが強まるので、手洗いうがいを心がけましょう。In winter, the risk of flu infection increases, so let's make a habit of washing our hands and gargling.
Examples
コンピューターがウイルスに感染すると、データが消える恐れがある。
If your computer gets infected with a virus, there's a risk that your data will be erased.
無理なダイエットを続けると、健康を害する恐れがある。
If you continue with an unreasonable diet, there is a risk of damaging your health.
大雪のため、電車に遅れが出る恐れがあります。
Due to the heavy snow, there is a possibility that the trains will be delayed.
このままでは、プロジェクトが締め切りに間に合わない恐れがある。
At this rate, I'm afraid the project might not meet the deadline.
言い方を間違えると、相手を怒らせる恐れがあるから気をつけよう。
If you say it the wrong way, there's a chance you'll anger the other person, so let's be careful.
肉が生焼けだと、食中毒になる恐れがあるので、よく焼いてください。
If the meat is undercooked, there is a risk of food poisoning, so please cook it thoroughly.
コーチ：「準備運動をしないと、試合中に怪我をする恐れがあるぞ。」
Coach: 'If you don't warm up, there's a risk you'll get injured during the match.'
強い衝撃を与えると、ガラスが割れる恐れがあります。
If subjected to a strong impact, there is a risk that the glass may break.
この川は大雨が降ると氾濫の恐れがあるので、近づかないでください。
When it rains heavily, there is a risk of this river flooding, so please do not go near it.
急激な円安が進むと、輸入品の値段が上がる恐れがある。
If the rapid depreciation of the yen continues, there's a fear that the price of imported goods will rise.
小さな部品は、お子様が飲み込む恐れがありますのでご注意ください。
Please be aware that there is a risk of small children swallowing the small parts.
ニュースキャスター：「台風が近づいているため、明日は交通機関に影響が出る恐れがあります。
沿岸部では高波の恐れもありますので、十分ご注意ください。」
Newscaster: 'As the typhoon is approaching, there is a risk it will affect public transport tomorrow.There is also a risk of high waves in coastal areas, so please be very careful.'