Dread in Japanese

"dread" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.

恐怖

kyofu

恐fear, dread+怖dreadful, be frightened

2 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "dread". The most common choice is shown first.

恐

Top pick

fear, dread, awe

Reading: kyou

10 strokes · wisdom, dark

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Where it comes from

Composed of craft, table, and heart. Heart stiffening like craft.

What it carries

Fear, dread, awe. Represents being afraid.

Related kanji for "dread"

惧

dread

ku · wisdom, dark

Combines 'heart' (忄) with 'prepare' (具), representing a heart fearing and preparing for danger.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Japanese kanji for dread?

The most common kanji for "dread" is 恐, read as kyou. It means fear, dread, awe. Related kanji: 惧 (dread).

How many strokes does 恐 have?

恐 has 10 strokes.