In your country’s news, do you often hear phrases like “There is a possibility that…”?

In Japanese, there’s a very similar expression: 恐れがある (osore ga aru).

The key point is that 恐れがある is used only for negative possibilities, things that might be dangerous, harmful, or undesirable.

For example, it’s used when heavy rain is likely to disrupt public transportation, or when there is a possibility of a tsunami caused by an earthquake.

So while in English possibility can sometimes be neutral or even positive, in Japanese 恐れがある is reserved for the kinds of situations we don’t want to happen.

Let’s take a closer look!

可能性がある (kanousei ga aru) → means “there is a possibility,” and can be neutral (both positive and negative).

明日は雪が降る可能性がある。
ashita ha yuki ga furu kanousei ga aru.
There is a possibility of snow tomorrow.

💡 Tip:
恐れがある = formal, often in news, reports, or official contexts, and always negative.
可能性がある = broader, can be positive or negative.

台風が接近しているため、明日は大雨の恐れがある。
taifuu ga sekkin shite iru tame, ashita ha ooame ni naru osore ga aru.
There is a possibility of heavy rain tomorrow because a typhoon is approaching.

スマホを長時間使い続けると、目に悪影響を与える恐れがある。
sumaho wo choujikan tsukai tsuzukeru to, me ni akueikyou wo ataeru osore ga aru.
Using a smartphone for too long may harm your eyes.

地震の影響で津波が発生する恐れがある。
jishin no eikyou de tsunami ga hassei suru osore ga aru.
There is a danger of a tsunami due to the earthquake.

温暖化が進むと、多くの動物が絶滅する恐れがある。
ondanka ga susumu to, ooku no doubutsu ga zetsumetsu suru osore ga aru.
If global warming continues, many animals are in danger of extinction.

この薬を服用すると、副作用で眠くなる恐れがありますので、運転はしないでください。
kono kusuri wo fukuyou suru to, fukusayou de nemuku naru osore ga arimasu node, unten ha shinaide kudasai.
Taking this medicine may cause drowsiness as a side effect, so please do not drive.

可愛いネコ動画を見すぎると、現実世界に戻れなくなる恐れがあります。
kawaii neko douga wo misugiru to, genjitsu sekai ni modorenaku naru osore ga arimasu.
Watching too many dangerously cute cat videos may prevent you from returning to reality. 

💡 Note:
Although 恐れがある is usually a formal expression used for serious or negative news, sometimes it’s also playfully used in jokes or lighthearted contexts, as in Example 5.

• Grammar Point: 恐れがある (osore ga aru)
  
• JLPT Level: N2
• Meaning: There is fear that, there is a possibility that (negative situations only)
• Quick Explanation: 恐れがある is a formal expression used when talking about the possibility of something bad or undesirable happening.
  You’ll often hear it in news reports, official announcements, or formal writing.
  

So that’s how we use 恐れがある in Japanese!
It’s a formal phrase often seen in news, reports, and official statements when talking about negative possibilities or dangers.

But remember, like with the cat video example, sometimes people also use it playfully. That way, even a serious grammar point can become fun to use!

Now it’s your turn, try making your own sentences with 恐れがある.
Just… don’t get lost in cute videos forever!

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫

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