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).
| 害怕 (hàipà) | 怕 (pà) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | to be afraid | to be afraid, to worry |
| Part of Speech | verb | verb |
| Formality | flexible | flexible |
Contents
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
