Vietnamese · Emotions & Feelings
sợ
To be afraid
Beginnerverb
Definition
Feeling fear.
Example
Em bé sợ sấm sét.
The baby is afraid of thunder.
Etymology
The word 'sợ' is derived from the Old Vietnamese term 'sở', which has roots in Proto-Mon-Khmer, indicating an existing concept of fear across different languages. Historically, it has retained its core meaning of fearfulness throughout its linguistic evolution.
How & Where It’s Used
'Sợ' is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, and it is predominantly informal. It is utilized across different regions in Vietnam, often in everyday conversations, especially in contexts where individuals express their feelings of fear or apprehension.