Expressing concern with 恐怕 ("kong3pa4")

恐怕 kǒngpà

Adverb

HSK 4

Structure

(Reason,) 恐怕 + Subj. ⋯⋯

恐怕 (kǒngpà) 表示说话人担心或推测某事可能发生不理想的结果，带有忧虑、不安的语气。

Expressing concern or fear that something undesirable might happen; used to convey worry or apprehension.

通常用于表达消极的推测或担忧，后面接动词短语或小句。可以放在句首或句中。

Usually used to express negative speculation or worry, followed by a verb phrase or clause. Can be placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence.

1 恐怕今天要下雨，我们还是带伞吧。(I'm afraid it might rain today; we'd better bring an umbrella.)
2 他这么久没来，恐怕是出事了。(He hasn't come for so long; I'm afraid something might have happened.)
3 这样做的后果恐怕会很严重。(I'm afraid the consequences of doing this might be serious.)
4 恐怕我无法按时完成这项任务。(I'm afraid I won't be able to finish this task on time.)
5 现在出门恐怕来不及了。(I'm afraid it's too late to leave now.)

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