asustado
everyday
Scared in Mexican Spanish is asustado (feminine asustada). Mexicans also say espantado for being frightened, and tener miedo for being afraid. It is also called con miedo.
Meaning: afraid (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| asustado | everyday |
| con miedo | neutral |
| espantado | Mexico |
You say estoy asustado or tengo miedo for a feeling. For a sudden fright you say me asusté or me espanté. A scary thing is espantoso or da miedo.
When do people say it?
Mexican folk stories use espanto for a ghost or a fright, and many kids grow up with tales such as La Llorona.
Did you know?
- The Mexican legend of La Llorona tells of a weeping woman heard near rivers at night and scares many children.
Examples in context
- Estoy asustada por el trueno.I am scared of the thunder.
- Me espanté cuando se fue la luz.I got scared when the power went out.
- Tengo miedo de manejar de noche.I am afraid to drive at night.
Example conversation
Nico and his mother talk during a storm at home in Veracruz.
- NicoMamá, estoy asustado.Mom, I am scared.
- MamáNo pasa nada, son solo truenos.Nothing is wrong, it is only thunder.
- Nico¿Te quedas conmigo?Will you stay with me?
