temer
/teh-MEHR/
to fear
Temer means 'to fear' or feel general apprehension.
temer(verb)
to fear
?general apprehension
,to be afraid of
?a specific thing or person
to dread
?a future event
📝 In Action
Temo a las serpientes desde que era niño.
B1I have feared snakes since I was a child.
No temas preguntar si tienes dudas.
A2Don't be afraid to ask if you have doubts.
Tememos que el jefe no apruebe nuestro plan.
B2We fear that the boss won't approve our plan.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'A' after Temer
When you fear a specific person, animal, or thing, you often need the word 'a' right after 'temer' (the 'personal a'). Example: 'Temo a mi profesor' (I fear my teacher).
Triggering the Special Verb Form (Subjunctive)
When you are afraid that someone else is doing something, you use a special verb form (the subjunctive). Example: 'Temo que NO VENGAS' (I fear that you won't come).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Temer and Tener Miedo
Mistake: "Using 'Tengo miedo la oscuridad.'"
Correction: Say 'Tengo miedo DE la oscuridad' or 'Temo la oscuridad.' Remember, 'tener miedo' requires 'de' while 'temer' often uses 'a' or nothing, depending on the context.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal Fear
While 'tener miedo' (literally 'to have fear') is the most common way to express general fear in everyday chat, 'temer' is often preferred in writing, news, and more formal or dramatic speech.
Temer can also mean 'to suspect' or believe something bad will happen.
temer(verb)
to suspect
?to believe something bad will happen
,to worry (that)
?about a potential negative event
📝 In Action
Temo que esta decisión cause un conflicto político.
C1I suspect/worry that this decision will cause political conflict.
La empresa teme una reducción en sus ganancias trimestrales.
C1The company suspects a reduction in its quarterly earnings.
💡 Grammar Points
Meaning Shift
In this formal sense, 'temer' often means 'to anticipate with worry' or 'to suspect strongly,' rather than just being terrified.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: temer
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'temer' to express fear about someone else's action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'temer' and 'tener miedo'?
'Tener miedo' (literally 'to have fear') is more common in daily conversations and expresses a general state of being scared. 'Temer' is usually more formal or literary, and often implies a deeper, more serious apprehension or dread. You can use them interchangeably, but 'temer' sounds more profound.
Does 'temer' always need the word 'que'?
No. If you fear a thing or person, you just use 'temer' (or 'temer a'). If you fear an action or outcome involving a different person or situation, you must use 'que' (e.g., 'Temo que llueva' – I fear that it might rain).