Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| con miedo | /kon mjedo/ (from spelling rules) |
| con temor | /kon temoɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| con susto | /kon susto/ (from spelling rules) |
| que teme | /ke teme/ (from spelling rules) |
| que tiene miedo | /ke tjene mjedo/ (from spelling rules) |
| que le da miedo | /ke le da mjedo/ (from spelling rules) |
You can use phrases that mean 'with fear' or verbal constructions to describe someone who is apprehensive or impressed with fear.
Which one should you use?
The various forms change the nuance of the fear being described. con miedo is the common way to express being in a state of fear. con temor implies a sense of dread or solemn apprehension. con susto is used to describe being afraid due to a sudden shock or fright. Finally, que le da miedo is a specific construction used to describe something that causes fear in someone, literally meaning 'that gives him/her fear'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The colloquial and vulgar phrase cagado/a de miedo is used primarily in Spain and Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing something that causes fear in a person, Spanish speakers often use the construction que le da miedo (that gives him/her fear) instead of using a direct adjective.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When trying to say 'I am afraid', avoid using the verb ser (to be). Instead, use the verb tener (to have), such as in the phrase tener miedo.
Did you know?
- The phrase cagado de miedo is a vulgar expression that literally references the act of defecating in fear.
- The word miedo shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'meticulous'. Although one means being careful and the other means being afraid, they both stem from the Latin 'metus'.
Examples in context
- Al principio habrá muchas palabras y formas gramaticales desconocidas, pero no tienes que temer.At first there will be many unfamiliar words and grammatical forms, but you don't have to be afraid.This sentence shows how to use the phrase when advising someone not to be afraid.Tatoeba #496303 by MondCivitano, translation #707427 by papabear
- No hay nada que temer.There's nothing to be afraid of.This sentence demonstrates a common way to say there is nothing to fear.Tatoeba #329830 by tatoerique, translation #19177 by CK
- Eso es lo que teme Tom.That's what Tom is afraid of.This sentence shows how to identify the object of someone's fear.Tatoeba #3452731 by washisnein, translation #2400052 by CK
- El niño tenía miedo de la oscuridad.The child was afraid of the dark.
- La presentadora tenía un cierto temor antes de su discurso.The presenter had a certain fear before her speech.
- Estaba asustada por el ruidoShe was scared by the noise.
- Me asusté cuando vi una araña enorme en mi habitación.I got scared when I saw a huge spider in my room.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are standing in front of a tall roller coaster.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿estás con miedo de subir?Daniel, are you afraid to go up?
- DanielUn poco, pero quiero intentarlo.A little, but I want to try it.
- ElenaYo también estoy con miedo, la verdad.I'm afraid too, to be honest.
- DanielEntonces vamos juntos ahora.Then let's go together now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “afraid” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, miedo, que, susto, teme, temor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
