Definition
怕事 is a separable verb-object phrase that means 'to be afraid of getting into trouble' — you avoid conflict, responsibility, or risky situations because you fear the consequences. You can split it by inserting a determiner or duration between the verb and object, e.g., 怕什么事 ('afraid of what trouble?') or 怕一点事 ('afraid of a little trouble'). It can also be used as a stative verb (胆小怕事) describing a timid personality.
v.o./s.v.
to be afraid of getting into troubleto be timid and avoid trouble
Examples
- ，。Tā pà de shì tài duō le, cónglái bù gǎn zhēngqǔ zìjǐ de quánlì.He is afraid of so many things that he never dares to fight for his own rights.
- 怕事，？Nǐ lǎoshi zhème pà shì, shénme shíhou cáinéng zuòchū chéngjì?If you're always so afraid of trouble, when will you ever achieve anything?
- 怕事，。Gōngzuò zhōng bié tài pà shì, shìdàng tí yìjiàn fǎn'ér duì tuánduì yǒu hǎochù.Don't be too afraid of trouble at work — offering appropriate feedback actually benefits the team.
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