temor
teh-MOR
📝 In Action
El temor a lo desconocido es una emoción humana natural.
B1The fear of the unknown is a natural human emotion.
La decisión fue tomada con gran temor, pero era necesaria.
B2The decision was made with great dread, but it was necessary.
Sentía temor de fracasar después de tanto esfuerzo.
B2He felt fear of failing after so much effort.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Prepositions
When expressing the source of the fear, 'temor' usually connects using the preposition 'a' or 'de'. Example: 'temor a la oscuridad' (fear of the dark).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "La temor"
Correction: El temor. Even though many words ending in '-or' are feminine, 'temor' is masculine (like 'el amor' or 'el color').
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Everyday
While you can always use 'temor,' 'miedo' is much more common in daily conversations. Use 'temor' when writing or speaking in a more serious context.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: temor
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'temor' correctly?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'temor' and 'miedo'?
Both mean 'fear,' but 'temor' is generally considered more formal, literary, or intense. 'Miedo' is the word Spanish speakers use every day for ordinary fears (like 'I'm afraid of heights').
How do I turn 'temor' into a verb?
The related verb is 'temer,' which means 'to fear.' Example: 'Temo que sea tarde' (I fear it might be late).