怵 (chù) - to fear & to be afraid

怵Tone 4

chù ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 忄

橙丁

怵 · chù

to fear;

to be afraid;

to dread;

to be cautious;

to be wary

to fearto be afraidto dread

Usage highlights

to fearto be cautious and vigilantshocking to the eyefear and trepidationto be intimidatedfearful and uneasy

Synonyms

  • 怕— to fear; to be afraid
  • 惧— to fear; dread
  • 恐— to fear; terror

Antonyms

  • 勇— brave; courageous
  • 敢— daring; bold

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was afraid of the consequences (怵于后果).
  • The sight made her shudder (怵目惊心).
  • One should be cautious when facing danger (面对危险要怵惕).

Collocations

  • to fear(怵惧)
  • to be cautious and vigilant(怵惕)
  • shocking to the eye(怵目)
  • fear and trepidation(怵栗)
  • to be intimidated(怵于)
  • fearful and uneasy(怵怵)

Idioms

  • Shocking to the eye and heart(怵目惊心)
  • Fearful and cautious(怵惕不安)
  • Trembling with fear(怵然惊惧)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines the heart/mind radical (忄) with 术 (method/art), suggesting fear arising in the mind.
  • In classical Chinese philosophy, 怵惕 refers to a state of caution and vigilance against potential dangers.

FAQ