temiendo
/temjendo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dreading" is translated into Spanish as temiendo.
temiendo is used to describe the feeling of great anxiety or fear regarding something that is about to happen.
How does it change in a sentence?
temiendo is the gerund of the verb temer. It is used to express an ongoing action of fearing or dreading. The base infinitive form of this verb is temer, which means "to dread" or "to fear".
How do you pronounce it?
/temjendo/
Did you know?
- The verb temer is used in the legal phrase temor reverencial, which describes the fear or respect felt toward a superior. This specific type of 'dreading' is a recognized concept in civil law in several Spanish-speaking countries.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, expressing that one is temiendo a social obligation is rare, as it can sound overly dramatic. People instead use me da pereza, which literally means 'it gives me laziness'.
- The word temer is a cognate of the English word 'timid', coming from the Latin timere. While 'dreading' feels active and heavy, the root of the word actually shares a lineage with the concept of shyness and hesitation.
Examples in context
- Tengo miedo de hablar en público.I am dreading speaking in public.
- Siguen temiendo las consecuencias de su decisión.They are still dreading the consequences of their decision.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about an upcoming job interview.
- AlejandroPareces muy nervioso, Alejandro.You seem very nervous, Alejandro.
- LucíaSí, estoy temiendo la entrevista de hoy.Yes, I am dreading today's interview.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, Lucía cree que irás bien.Don't worry, Lucía thinks you will do well.
- LucíaGracias, pero sigo muy ansioso.Thanks, but I'm still very anxious.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
