恐怕(kǒngpà)
I'm Afraid / Probably
Structure Pattern
Explanation
恐怕 (kǒngpà) means "I'm afraid that..." or "probably." It softly introduces bad news or an undesirable possibility. Despite containing 怕 (afraid), it's more about expressing concern or probability than actual fear.
Example Sentences
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Kǒngpà míngtiān huì xià yǔ.
I'm afraid it might rain tomorrow.
Kǒngpà tā bú huì lái le.
I'm afraid he won't come.
Kǒngpà nǐ shuō de duì.
I'm afraid you're right.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
我恐怕狗。
Correct Usage
我怕狗。
恐怕 is used to introduce an undesirable possibility or bad news, often followed by a clause. It is not used to express personal fear or dislike towards a specific object. To say 'I'm afraid of [something],' you should use 怕.
Master 恐怕
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