Inklingo
← Dictionary

susto

SOOS-tohˈsusto

“susto” means “fright” in Spanish (a sudden, brief feeling of fear).

fright, scare

Also: shock
NounmA2
Mexico
A small, cartoonish rabbit character stands frozen, eyes wide and ears straight up, showing a sudden jolt of surprise and fear.

📝 In Action

¡Qué susto me diste! Pensé que era un ladrón.

A1

What a fright you gave me! I thought it was a thief.

Mi abuela se llevó un susto terrible con la tormenta.

A2

My grandmother got a terrible scare from the storm.

Después del susto, le ofrecí un vaso de agua para calmarla.

B1

After the shock, I offered her a glass of water to calm her down.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sobresalto (startle)
  • espanto (dread/terror (stronger))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • dar un susto – to give someone a scare
  • llevarse un susto – to get/receive a scare
  • dejar el susto – to get over the fright

Idioms & Expressions

  • el susto de mi vida – the scare of my life

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "susto" in Spanish:

fright→scare→shock→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: susto

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly describes a sudden, brief surprise?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
asustar(to frighten) — Verb
asustado(frightened) — Adjective
sustito(small scare (diminutive)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the verb *asustar*, which evolved from a Latin root meaning a sudden movement or shock, capturing the physical sensation of being startled and grasping for breath.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: sustoCatalan: susto

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

If I want to apologize for scaring someone, what should I say?

You should use the verb *dar* (to give). You would say: 'Perdón, no quería darte un susto' (Sorry, I didn't want to give you a scare).