Inklingo

How to Say "frightening" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asustando

/ah-soos-TAHN-doh//asusˈtando/

verbA2
Use this form when describing the ongoing action of causing someone or something to feel fear, often in a direct, present-moment way.
A friendly ghost popping out from behind a large tree to surprise a small, startled cat.

Examples

Deja de gritar, estás asustando al gato.

Stop screaming, you are scaring the cat.

Me estás asustando con esas historias de fantasmas.

You are frightening me with those ghost stories.

El ruido de los truenos sigue asustando a los niños.

The sound of thunder keeps scaring the children.

The '-ando' ending

This word is the 'action' form of 'asustar.' In Spanish, words ending in '-ando' work just like English words ending in '-ing.' Use it when the scaring is happening right now.

Scaring vs. Feeling Scared

Mistake: “Saying 'Estoy asustando' when you mean 'I am scared.'”

Correction: Use 'asustando' only when YOU are the one making someone else feel fear. If you are the one who feels fear, use 'asustado'.

espantoso

ess-pahn-TOH-soh/es.panˈto.so/

adjectiveB1
Choose this adjective to describe something that generally causes fear or alarm, often implying a startling or shocking quality.
A small person hides behind a large tree trunk, eyes wide with terror, looking at a huge, dark, but indistinct shadow looming nearby in a forest.

Examples

Vimos una criatura espantosa en el bosque.

We saw a frightening creature in the forest.

La caída desde esa altura debe haber sido una experiencia espantosa.

The fall from that height must have been a terrifying experience.

aterrador

/ah-teh-rrah-DOR//ateɾaˈðoɾ/

adjectiveB2
Use this adjective for something that is intensely scary or terrifying, often implying a profound or overwhelming sense of fear.
A small, wide-eyed rabbit cartoon character is shown trembling with fear. A large, indistinct dark purple shadow looms behind it, representing a terrifying presence.

Examples

Vimos una película tan aterradora que no pude dormir.

We saw such a terrifying movie that I couldn't sleep.

La noticia del desastre fue aterradora para todos.

The news of the disaster was frightening for everyone.

Los ruidos aterradores venían del sótano abandonado.

The terrifying noises were coming from the abandoned basement.

Adjective Agreement

This word must match the noun it describes. Use 'aterrador' for masculine nouns (el monstruo aterrador) and 'aterradora' for feminine nouns (la situación aterradora).

Placement

Like most descriptive adjectives, 'aterrador' usually goes after the noun it modifies: 'un fantasma aterrador' (a terrifying ghost).

Confusing the Verb

Mistake: “Using 'aterrar' when you mean 'to land' (a plane).”

Correction: While related, 'aterrar' usually means 'to terrify.' For a plane landing, use 'aterrizar.'

Adjective vs. Verb Form

The most common mistake is confusing the verb 'asustando' with the adjectives 'espantoso' or 'aterrador'. Remember that 'asustando' describes the *action* of scaring happening now, while the others describe the *quality* of being scary.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.