Inklingo

How to Say "intimidated" in Spanish

English → Spanish

amenazado

ah-meh-nah-SAH-dohame-naˈsaðo

adjectiveB1
Use this word when someone feels threatened or put in danger by another person or a dangerous situation.
A small kitten cowering in the corner while a large shadow of a barking dog looms over it.

Examples

El empleado se sintió amenazado por las duras palabras de su jefe.

The employee felt threatened by his boss's harsh words.

El hombre se sintió amenazado por el perro grande.

The man felt threatened by the big dog.

Juan recibió un mensaje y ahora se siente amenazado.

Juan received a message and now he feels threatened.

Using with 'sentirse'

When talking about feelings, use this word with 'sentirse' (to feel) to describe how someone reacts to danger.

Don't forget to change the ending

Mistake: “La mujer se siente amenazado.”

Correction: La mujer se siente amenazada.

arrugado

ah-roo-GAH-doharuˈɣaðo

adjectiveC1informal
Use this word when someone is too scared or intimidated to do something they intended to do, often implying a loss of courage.
A small mouse hiding behind a large leaf, looking wide-eyed and scared.

Examples

Quería pedir un aumento, pero se sintió arrugado y no dijo nada.

He wanted to ask for a raise, but he felt intimidated and said nothing.

Iba a saltar, pero al final se quedó arrugado.

He was going to jump, but in the end he chickened out.

No te quedes arrugado frente al jefe.

Don't let yourself get intimidated in front of the boss.

Describing a Feeling

When used for people, it describes a person who has 'shrunk' metaphorically due to fear.

Literal vs. Figurative

Mistake: “Using this in a formal business meeting in Spain.”

Correction: In formal settings or in Spain, use 'intimidado' instead. 'Arrugado' for people is very informal and regional.

Amenazado vs. Arrugado

Learners often confuse 'amenazado' and 'arrugado' by using 'amenazado' when they mean feeling too scared to act. Remember, 'amenazado' implies a direct threat, while 'arrugado' means 'chickened out' or became too fearful to proceed.

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