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How to Say "afraid" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asustada

ah-soos-TAH-dahasuˈstaða

adjectiveA1general
Use 'asustada' when referring to a female person or animal who is scared or frightened, often by something specific and sudden.
A simple illustration of a young girl with a look of terror on her face, her eyes wide open and her hand covering her mouth.

Examples

La niña estaba asustada por el perro grande.

The girl was afraid of the big dog.

Mi hermana estaba asustada por la película de terror.

My sister was scared by the horror movie.

La perrita se escondió porque estaba muy asustada.

The little dog hid because she was very frightened.

¿Estás asustada? No te preocupes, yo estoy aquí.

Are you scared? Don't worry, I'm here.

Gender Agreement

This word is an adjective, so it must match the gender of the person or thing it describes. Use 'asustada' only for feminine nouns (like 'chica,' 'mujer,' 'perra').

Temporary State (Estar)

When describing feelings or temporary emotional states like being scared, you almost always use the verb 'estar' (to be) with 'asustada' (e.g., 'Ella está asustada').

Forgetting Agreement

Mistake: “La niña estaba asustado.”

Correction: La niña estaba asustada. (The ending must match the feminine subject 'niña'.)

Using Ser Instead of Estar

Mistake: “Ella es asustada.”

Correction: Ella está asustada. (Being scared is a temporary feeling, not a permanent characteristic, so use 'estar'.)

temeroso

te-meh-ROH-sohtemeˈɾoso

adjectiveB1general
Use 'temeroso' to describe someone or something that is fearful or apprehensive of something specific, often indicating a more general or ongoing state of fear.
A small mouse hiding behind a large leaf, looking out with wide, nervous eyes.

Examples

Él es temeroso de las alturas.

He is fearful of heights.

El perro es muy temeroso de los ruidos fuertes.

The dog is very fearful of loud noises.

Me siento un poco temeroso por los resultados del examen.

I feel a bit apprehensive about the exam results.

El gobierno se mostró temeroso de perder el apoyo popular.

The government seemed afraid of losing popular support.

Using 'De' for the cause

When you want to say what you are afraid of, always use the word 'de' (of) after temeroso.

Matching the Gender

Remember to change the ending: 'temeroso' for a male, 'temerosa' for a female, and 'temerosos' or 'temerosas' for groups.

Fear vs. Fearful

Mistake: “Yo tengo temeroso de la lluvia.”

Correction: Yo tengo miedo de la lluvia or Yo estoy temeroso de la lluvia.

Gender and Specificity

Learners often confuse 'asustada' and 'temeroso' due to gender agreement and specificity. Remember 'asustada' is typically used for females and implies being startled or frightened, while 'temeroso' is more general and can apply to males or things, describing a state of fear or apprehension.

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