Afraid so Meaning in English
expression
əˈfɹeɪd/ /ˈsoʊ
uh-FRAYD SOH
ɐfɹˈeɪd/ /sˈəʊ
uh-FRAYD SOH
Definition
Used to confirm something negative, disappointing, or unwanted is true; polite, indirect way of saying 'yes' when the answer is not good.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly spoken and slightly formal or polite. Common when sharing bad news ('Is it cancelled?' - 'I'm afraid so'). Do not use as a direct 'yes' for positive situations. Often paired with apologetic tone.
Spanish: me temo que síPortuguese (BR): receio que simPortuguese (PT): receio que simChinese (Simplified): 恐怕是这样Chinese (Traditional): 恐怕是這樣Hindi: मुझे डर है कि हाँArabic: أخشى ذلكBengali: দুঃখিত, হ্যাঁ - আমি দুঃখিত, সত্যি বলতে হ্যাঁRussian: боюсь, даJapanese: 残念ですが、そうです - 申し訳ありませんが、そうですVietnamese: tôi e là đúng như vậy - tôi sợ là vậyKorean: 유감이지만 그래 - 안타깝게도 그래Turkish: maalesef evetUrdu: افسوس کے ساتھ، ہاںIndonesian: takutnya iya - saya khawatir begitu
Example Sentences
"Is the store closed already?" "Afraid so."
basic
"Did we miss the bus?" "I'm afraid so."
basic
"Is there any cake left?" "Afraid so — it's all gone."
basic
"Is the meeting cancelled?" "Yeah, afraid so."
natural
"Any chance it's fixed now?" "Afraid so, still not working."
natural
"Did your team lose again?" "Afraid so. Maybe next time."
natural