teme
“teme” means “fears” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
fears, is afraid of
Also: dreads
📝 In Action
Mi perro teme los ruidos fuertes, como los fuegos artificiales.
A2My dog fears loud noises, like fireworks.
Usted teme hablar en público, ¿verdad?
B1You (formal) fear speaking in public, right?
Ella teme que su jefe la regañe.
B1She is afraid that her boss might scold her.
suspects
Also: worries
📝 In Action
El director teme que la empresa no cumpla los objetivos este trimestre.
B2The director suspects the company won't meet its goals this quarter.
La comunidad teme que el nuevo proyecto dañe el ecosistema local.
C1The community worries that the new project will damage the local ecosystem.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: teme
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'teme' to express that the subject is afraid of an uncertain future event?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The Spanish verb 'temer' comes directly from the Latin verb *timēre*, meaning 'to be afraid of' or 'to fear.' It has maintained this core meaning throughout its history.
First recorded: Early Romance languages (around the 10th-11th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'temer' the most common way to say 'to fear'?
While 'temer' is the direct translation, in casual conversation, Spanish speakers often prefer the phrase 'tener miedo de' (literally 'to have fear of'). 'Temer' is slightly more formal or intense.
How is 'teme' different from 'tiene miedo'?
'Teme' is the verb form (he/she fears). 'Tiene miedo' is a phrase using the verb 'tener' (to have fear). Both mean the same thing, but 'teme' is a single, more concise verb.