How to Say ‘I am afraid’ in French
J'ai peur
ʒ e pœʁ
[ʒ e pœʁ]
💬 Usage Tip: 'Avoir peur' is used for expressing fear, unlike English which uses 'to be'.
🇫🇷 In France: Fear depicted in French music often hints at vulnerability or isolation.
Phrase Breakdown
J'
[ʒ]
I
A contraction of 'je', used before a vowel.
J'ai peur du noir.
I'm afraid of the dark.
ai
[e]
have
Used to indicate possession, with 'I' it forms present perfect and expressions related to states (age, conditions).
J'ai 30 ans.
I am 30 years old.
peur
[pœʁ]
fear
An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous.
Elle a vraiment peur des hauteurs.
She is really afraid of heights.
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