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How to Say "startling" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asustando

/ah-soos-TAHN-doh//asusˈtando/

verbA2informal
Use 'asustando' when describing the action of a person or thing actively causing fear or sudden surprise, often in a slightly alarming 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'.

sensacional

/sen-sah-syoh-NAHL//sensasjoˈnal/

adjectiveB2
Use 'sensacional' to describe something that is remarkable, shocking, or attention-grabbing, often used for news, events, or achievements.
A person looking wide-eyed and surprised while holding a brightly glowing box.

Examples

El periódico publicó un titular sensacional sobre el descubrimiento.

The newspaper published a startling headline about the discovery.

Verb vs. Adjective Confusion

Learners often confuse 'asustando' and 'sensacional' because both relate to surprise. Remember that 'asustando' is a verb describing the act of scaring, while 'sensacional' is an adjective describing something as shocking or remarkable.

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