The word 害怕 is formed by combining two characters that each contribute a layer of meaning related to apprehension. The first character, 害 (hài), carries connotations of harm, trouble, or a detrimental cause. The second character, 怕 (pà), directly means to fear or to be afraid. When joined, they create a compound where 害 suggests the source or reason for the fear, often a perceived threat or danger, while 怕 directly states the emotional response, together forming the comprehensive concept of "to be scared" or "to fear" as an emotional reaction to a specific or general threat.