Greetings! If you’re looking to expand your vocabulary to express the feeling of being scared in Mexican Spanish, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey this emotion. While Mexican Spanish does not have a specific word for “scared,” there are several expressions commonly used across different regions of Mexico. So, let’s dive in and uncover these words and phrases!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
If you are in a formal setting, such as a professional environment or speaking to someone you hold in high regard, you can use the following expressions to convey being scared:
- Asustado/a: This is the most common word to express being scared in a formal manner. For example, you could say “Estoy asustado/a” to mean “I am scared.” Keep in mind that the ending of the word changes depending on your gender. Men use “asustado,” while women use “asustada.”
- Temeroso/a: Another formal way to express fear is by using the word “temeroso/a.” For instance, you could say “Me siento temeroso/a” to convey “I feel scared.”
- Ensombrecido/a: This more poetic expression refers to feeling scared as if darkness has surrounded you. It conveys a deeper sense of fear and can be used in more creative contexts. An example sentence could be “Mi corazón está ensombrecido de miedo,” meaning “My heart is overshadowed by fear.”
Informal Expressions:
Most everyday conversations in Mexico take place in an informal setting. Here are some commonly used expressions to convey being scared when chatting with friends or acquaintances:
- Cagado/a de miedo: This phrase, although vulgar, is widely used in Mexico to mean “scared shitless.” It strongly emphasizes the feeling of fear. For example, you could say “Estoy cagado/a de miedo” to convey “I’m scared shitless.”
- Por los pelos: This phrase in Mexican Spanish means “by the hairs” and is used humorously to indicate that you were scared or narrowly escaped a frightening situation. For instance, you could say “¡Me salvé por los pelos!” which translates to “I narrowly escaped!”
- Con el Jesús en la boca: Literally translating to “with Jesus in your mouth,” this expression signifies being terrified or scared to death. For example, you might say “Entré al cuarto con el Jesús en la boca” to convey “I entered the room scared to death.”
Regional Variations:
While the previous expressions are widely understood throughout Mexico, some regions have their unique variations:
- Chicle: In certain parts of Mexico, particularly in parts of the Bajío region, the word “chicle” (chewing gum) is occasionally used to express being scared. For example, you might say “Estoy chicle” to mean “I am scared.” However, be aware that this expression is not as commonly used as others.
- Apedrearse: In some regions, such as northern Mexico, the verb “apedrearse” (literally “to stone oneself”) can be used as a casual way to say you are scared or intimidated. For instance, you could say “Me apedreo fácilmente cuando veo películas de terror” to mean “I get scared easily when I watch horror movies.”
Remember, these regional variations are not as widespread as the previously mentioned expressions, but they add diversity to the Mexican Spanish language.
Tips: When expressing fear, make sure to use appropriate body language and tone of voice, as they play a significant role in conveying emotions. Additionally, consider the context and relationship with the person you are speaking to when choosing between formal and informal expressions. Using the wrong expression in a particular setting may convey disrespect or create confusion.
To recap, we have explored both formal and informal ways to say “scared” in Mexican Spanish. Among the formal expressions, “asustado/a,” “temeroso/a,” and “ensombrecido/a” are commonly used. For more informal settings, you can use expressions like “cagado/a de miedo,” “por los pelos,” and “con el Jesús en la boca.” Additionally, some regions in Mexico have unique variations, such as “chicle” and “apedrearse.” Remember to choose expressions that align with your setting and relationship with the person you are speaking to.
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how to express the feeling of being scared in Mexican Spanish. Happy conversing, and embrace the richness of the Mexican culture and language!
