How to Say "startled" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “startled” is “asustados” — A1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Los niños están asustados por la película.
The children are scared because of the movie.
Mis gatos se ven asustados con el ruido.
My cats look frightened by the noise.
Después del trueno, todos nos quedamos asustados.
After the thunder, we were all startled.
Matching the Group
This word ends in '-os' because it is plural. Use it when describing a group of males or a mixed group of males and females.
Using with 'Estar'
Always use this word with 'estar' (to be) rather than 'ser,' because being scared is a temporary feeling, not a permanent personality trait.
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: “Las niñas están asustados.”
Correction: Las niñas están asustadas. Use the '-as' ending when the whole group is female.
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