scary
|
怖い
|
The usual word for scary.
$$$
|
|
|
|
すさまじい
|
Scary because of its extraordinary magnitude:usually used with natural disasters:a huge typhoon, a giant tsunami, a fierce storm. Emphasizes the degree – almost beyond measuring.
NPSITU
|
|
|
|
おっかない
|
Same as こわい – but a tad more childish.
PPP
|
|
|
|
恐ろしい
|
Horrible, terrifying. Like すさまじい、 恐ろしい emphasizes the extent or force of something, rather than its appearance or fangs or whatever. He drove the car at a terrifying, terribly fast speed. You’ll shudder when you learn the awful truth about the president!
|
|
|
Wait, here’s a better distinction: Use 怖い or おっかない about scary things you saw with your own eyes, but USE 恐ろしい OR すさまじい ABOUT THINGS YOU READ ABOUT / HEARD ABOUT.
KANJIDAMAGE