〜おそれがある

〜おそれがある expresses risk that ~ — communicating the speaker's degree of certainty, judgment, or attitude about a statement. Modal expressions in Japanese range from strong conviction to vague possibility, and choosing the right one conveys important nuance about how sure you are.

This is an advanced pattern found primarily in formal writing, news articles, business Japanese, and academic texts.

When to Use#

• When warning about a potential danger or negative outcome
• When formally expressing concern about a risk

When NOT to Use#

• In very casual speech — a simpler expression is usually more natural

Example Sentences#

• デフレが発生するおそれがあります。 — There is a risk that deflation will occur.
• 失業率が悪化するおそれがあります。 — There is a risk that unemployment rates will worsen.
• 経済が不況に陥るおそれがあります。 — There is a risk that the economy will enter a recession.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜おそれがある interchangeably with 〜かねない — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜かねない (might / could (negative)) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
2. Using 〜おそれがある in casual conversation — This pattern sounds overly formal or literary in casual speech. Reserve it for formal writing, presentations, or situations that call for elevated language.
3. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜おそれがある may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.

Related Patterns#

• 〜かねない (might / could (negative)) — Similar