戦々恐々(せんせんきょうきょう)

A four-character compound (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)) that doubles 戦(せん) (tremble) and 恐(きょう) (fear) for emphasis. Originally from classical Chinese. Almost always used with the pattern ～としている or ～とする.

Usage

The word describes anxious dread about a situation, often one where negative consequences are anticipated. It conveys a stronger sense of fear than simple nervousness.

Common patterns

• 戦々恐々(せんせんきょうきょう)としている — to be trembling with fear
• 戦々恐々(せんせんきょうきょう)とした面持(おももち)ち — a face filled with dread
• 戦々恐々(せんせんきょうきょう)の日々(ひび) — days of dread

Similar words

• びくびく — nervously, timidly (more colloquial)
• おどおど — timidly, fearfully (visible behavioral timidity)
• 恐(おそ)る恐(おそ)る — fearfully, gingerly (cautious action despite fear)