# 恐れがある: there is a risk that > Learn how to use 恐れがある, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning there is a risk that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-osore-ga-aru/ **恐れがある** means **there is a risk that**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **warn that something bad may happen**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **恐れがある** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does 恐れがある mean? Use **恐れがある** when you want to **warn that something bad may happen**. Natural translations include: - there is a risk that - depending on context - in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas. ## How to form 恐れがある Verb dictionary form / Nounの + 恐れがある Examples of the pattern: - 大雨で川が氾濫する恐れがある。 - このままでは計画が遅れる恐れがある。 - 強い薬なので In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form. ## When is 恐れがある used? Use **恐れがある** in situations like: - reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays - making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would - connecting two ideas with a clear nuance Tone and register: - usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression - common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing ## 恐れがある example sentences - 大雨で川が氾濫する恐れがある。 — There is a risk that the river will flood due to heavy rain. - このままでは計画が遅れる恐れがある。 — At this rate, there is a risk the plan will be delayed. - 強い薬なので、副作用の恐れがあります。 — Because it is a strong medicine, there is a risk of side effects. - 個人情報が漏れる恐れがあるため、注意してください。 — Please be careful because there is a risk personal information may leak. - 景気が悪化する恐れがある。 — There is a fear that the economy may worsen. After reading each sentence, ask what job **恐れがある** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation. ## Nuance of 恐れがある The key nuance is **warn that something bad may happen**. This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship. For example: - In formal writing, **恐れがある** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **かもしれない**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## 恐れがある vs かもしれない Both **恐れがある** and **かもしれない** can express related ideas, but they are different. **恐れがある**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **かもしれない**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - 大雨で川が氾濫する恐れがある。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **かもしれない** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with 恐れがある Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **かもしれない** just because the English translation overlaps - Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **恐れがある**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is 恐れがある on the JLPT? Yes. **恐れがある** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar. That means learners should be able to: - recognize it in reading - understand its nuance in context - use it in simple original sentences For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone. ## Practice questions for 恐れがある Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **恐れがある**. - Write a second sentence with **かもしれない** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for 恐れがある To learn **恐れがある** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function. 1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural. 2. Then compare **恐れがある** with **かもしれない** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families. 3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **恐れがある** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [n2 kanenai](/blog/n2-kanenai/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n4 kamo shirenai](/blog/n4-kamo-shirenai/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n2 enai](/blog/n2-enai/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn 恐れがある with Hane If you want to review **恐れがある** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)