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How to Say "terrifying" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aterrador

/ah-teh-rrah-DOR//ateɾaˈðoɾ/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'aterrador' when the fear caused is intense and overwhelming, often describing something truly horrific or monstrous.
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.'

espantoso

ess-pahn-TOH-soh/es.panˈto.so/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'espantoso' when something inspires a strong sense of shock or fright, often used for startling or gruesome sights.
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.

terrible

teh-REE-blehs/teˈriβles/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'terrible' for things that are extremely bad, unpleasant, or shocking, often describing situations or outcomes rather than a direct cause of terror.
A small, terrified rabbit is crouching beneath a tree root, looking up anxiously at a massive, dark, stylized storm cloud hovering above.

Examples

Las heridas de los soldados eran terribles.

The soldiers' wounds were dreadful.

Tuvieron que enfrentar peligros terribles en la montaña.

They had to face terrifying dangers on the mountain.

Aterrador vs. Espantoso vs. Terrible

Learners often confuse 'aterrador' and 'espantoso' because both mean frightening. 'Aterrador' implies a deeper, more paralyzing fear, while 'espantoso' often relates to a sudden shock or a gruesome appearance. 'Terrible' is broader, meaning 'dreadful' or 'awful' and not always directly related to causing fear.

Related Translations

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