Comparing "haipai" and "pai"

害怕 and 怕 both are verbs that can often be used interchangeably mean to be afraid or to be scared. Both can be used in formal/informal settings. A key difference between these words is 怕 can also be used to mean worry about someone or something (害怕 does not have this useage).











B2HSK3ASV4567
害怕 (hàipà) 怕 (pà)
Meaning to be afraid to be afraid, to worry
Part of Speech verb verb
Formality flexible flexible

To say to “to be afraid” or “to fear” both 害怕 and 怕 can be used.

Common Phrases

In the following examples both 害怕 and 怕 can be used.

  • 很~
  • 不~
  • 不要~
  • 不~问题
  • 别~
  • ~蛇
  • ~蜘蛛

To describe a situation in which you worry about someone/something use 怕.

Common Phrases

  • 怕晒黑
  • 怕胖
  • 怕来不及