par le peur
par the fear
直訳: by fear
Use 'par peur' to explain that fear was the reason you did (or didn't do) something.
15秒でわかる
- Means 'out of fear' or 'driven by fear'.
- Usually drops the article: use 'par peur' not 'par la peur'.
- Explains the motivation behind a specific action or decision.
意味
This phrase describes doing something (or avoiding something) because you are afraid. It's the French way of saying 'out of fear' or 'driven by fear.'
主な例文
3 / 6Explaining a missed opportunity
Je n'ai pas postulé par peur de l'échec.
I didn't apply out of fear of failure.
Texting a friend about a party
Il est resté chez lui par peur de s'ennuyer.
He stayed home out of fear of being bored.
A formal news report
Les investisseurs ont vendu leurs actions par peur d'une crise.
Investors sold their shares out of fear of a crisis.
文化的背景
In France, discussing one's psychological motivations is common in social circles. 'Par peur' is frequently used in political discourse and social commentary to describe public reactions to change. Interestingly, while English uses 'out of,' French uses 'by,' suggesting fear is a path one travels through.
The 'No Article' Rule
Remember that in the basic phrase 'par peur', you don't need 'la'. It's one of those cool French shortcuts that makes you sound more like a native.
Don't confuse with 'J'ai peur'
Use 'J'ai peur' to describe your feeling. Use 'par peur' only to explain why you did something else.
15秒でわかる
- Means 'out of fear' or 'driven by fear'.
- Usually drops the article: use 'par peur' not 'par la peur'.
- Explains the motivation behind a specific action or decision.
What It Means
Par peur is a common collocation used to explain the motivation behind an action. Think of it as the 'why' behind a nervous decision. In English, we usually say 'out of fear.' In French, you use the preposition par (by/through) followed directly by the noun peur (fear). It suggests that fear is the engine driving your behavior. It’s a very human expression that everyone uses, from toddlers to CEOs.
How To Use It
You usually place par peur after the verb in your sentence. One important grammatical quirk: you often drop the article (la). Instead of saying par la peur, you simply say par peur. If you want to specify what you are afraid of, you add de (of). For example, par peur de tomber means 'out of fear of falling.' It’s short, punchy, and gets straight to the point of your anxiety.
When To Use It
Use this when you’re being honest about your motives. It works perfectly when explaining why you didn't take a risk. Use it at work to explain a cautious move. Use it with friends when admitting why you didn't text that cute person back. It’s a great way to add emotional depth to your storytelling. It’s also common in news reports to explain why a crowd reacted a certain way.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this phrase just to say you are currently scared. If you see a spider, you say J'ai peur (I have fear/I am afraid). You only use par peur to explain an action. Also, avoid using it for physical causes. If you tripped because of a rock, you wouldn't use par. This is strictly for internal, psychological motivations. Don't use it if you're feeling brave—this is the 'chicken's' preposition!
Cultural Background
French culture often values psychological insight and self-analysis. Admitting to acting par peur isn't always seen as a weakness. Instead, it’s often viewed as a rational explanation for human behavior. In French literature and philosophy, the concept of acting 'out of fear' is a major theme. From the works of Jean-Paul Sartre to modern cinema, the French love to deconstruct why we do what we do. It’s a very 'honest' expression in a culture that appreciates nuance.
Common Variations
The most frequent variation is par peur de followed by a noun or a verb. You might also hear par crainte (out of dread), which is a bit more formal. If someone is acting purely out of panic, they might say sous l'effet de la peur (under the influence of fear). However, for daily life, par peur remains the undisputed king of 'scaredy-cat' explanations.
使い方のコツ
The phrase is very stable across all levels of French. Just remember that 'peur' is feminine, so if you do use an article, it must be 'la'.
The 'No Article' Rule
Remember that in the basic phrase 'par peur', you don't need 'la'. It's one of those cool French shortcuts that makes you sound more like a native.
Don't confuse with 'J'ai peur'
Use 'J'ai peur' to describe your feeling. Use 'par peur' only to explain why you did something else.
The 'Crainte' Alternative
If you want to sound extra sophisticated in a job interview, swap 'peur' for 'crainte'. It sounds more calculated and less instinctive.
例文
6Je n'ai pas postulé par peur de l'échec.
I didn't apply out of fear of failure.
A very common way to express self-doubt in a professional or personal context.
Il est resté chez lui par peur de s'ennuyer.
He stayed home out of fear of being bored.
Shows how the phrase can be used for minor, everyday anxieties.
Les investisseurs ont vendu leurs actions par peur d'une crise.
Investors sold their shares out of fear of a crisis.
Demonstrates the phrase's utility in professional and financial contexts.
J'ai mangé tout le gâteau par peur qu'il périme !
I ate the whole cake out of fear that it would expire!
Using a serious phrase for a silly reason creates a funny effect.
Le chat se cache par peur du tonnerre.
The cat is hiding out of fear of the thunder.
Used to describe the instinctive reactions of animals.
J'ai menti par peur de ta réaction.
I lied out of fear of your reaction.
A vulnerable and honest use of the phrase in a relationship.
自分をテスト
Complete the sentence to say 'He didn't speak out of fear.'
Il n'a pas parlé ___ peur.
In French, the preposition 'par' is used with 'peur' to indicate the cause or motivation of an action.
Choose the correct form to say 'out of fear of the dog.'
Elle court par peur ___ chien.
When specifying the object of fear, we use 'de'. Since 'chien' is masculine, 'de + le' becomes 'du'.
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Formality of 'Par Peur'
Used with friends to explain silly mistakes.
J'ai couru par peur d'une abeille !
The standard way to explain motives in daily life.
Il a refusé par peur.
Used in literature or news to describe collective behavior.
La foule a fui par peur des représailles.
When to use 'Par Peur'
At the Doctor
I didn't go par peur of needles.
In a Relationship
I didn't call par peur of being rejected.
At Work
I checked twice par peur of making a mistake.
In the Kitchen
I didn't spice it par peur it would be too hot.
よくある質問
10 問Both are grammatically possible, but par peur is much more common when explaining a general motive. You use par la peur when referring to a specific, previously mentioned fear.
Yes! You can say Par peur, il a refusé (Out of fear, he refused). It adds a bit of dramatic emphasis to the cause.
It is feminine: la peur. This is why you might see par la peur, but never par le peur.
Use par peur de. For example: par peur de l'eau (out of fear of the water).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or your best friend without any issues.
Usually no. Fear is generally negative. If you do something for a positive reason, you'd use par amour (out of love) or par curiosité (out of curiosity).
Par peur feels more like an internal choice, while à cause de la peur sounds like the fear was an external force acting upon you.
Not exactly for 'par peur', but you might hear parce que je flippais (because I was freaking out) in very informal settings.
Almost any! If the action was caused by anxiety, par peur works. Il a couru par peur or Il s'est tu par peur.
In French, par indicates the means or the cause. Using de peur is also possible (especially in de peur de...), but par peur is the standard for 'out of fear'.
関連フレーズ
par amour
par curiosité
par hasard
avoir peur de
mourir de peur
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