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How to Say "timid" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tímido

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when describing someone who is shy, lacking confidence, or hesitant to interact with others.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy tímido y no habla mucho con gente nueva.

My brother is very shy and doesn't talk much with new people.

temeroso

/te-meh-ROH-soh//temeˈɾoso/

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when describing someone or something that is easily frightened, fearful, or apprehensive, especially of specific things.
A small mouse hiding behind a large leaf, looking out with wide, nervous eyes.

Examples

El perro es muy temeroso de los ruidos fuertes.

The dog is very fearful of loud noises.

Me siento un poco temeroso por los resultados del examen.

I feel a bit apprehensive about the exam results.

El gobierno se mostró temeroso de perder el apoyo popular.

The government seemed afraid of losing popular support.

Using 'De' for the cause

When you want to say what you are afraid of, always use the word 'de' (of) after temeroso.

Matching the Gender

Remember to change the ending: 'temeroso' for a male, 'temerosa' for a female, and 'temerosos' or 'temerosas' for groups.

Fear vs. Fearful

Mistake: “Yo tengo temeroso de la lluvia.”

Correction: Yo tengo miedo de la lluvia or Yo estoy temeroso de la lluvia.

Confusing Shy vs. Fearful

Learners often use 'tímido' for any kind of fear. Remember that 'tímido' specifically refers to social shyness or lack of confidence, while 'temeroso' is about being easily frightened or having a general sense of fear.

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