algo da miedo
/alɡo da mjedo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for 'something is scary' is algo da miedo.
The phrase is used to describe something that causes a feeling of fear. You can make the expression more specific by replacing the word for 'something' with a specific noun. For example, el cine da miedo means 'the cinema is scary'. You can also combine these expressions with other adjectives, such as Es aterrador/a y oscuro/a (It is terrifying and dark) or Es espeluznante y sobrecogedor/a (It is creepy and overwhelming).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase algo da miedo literally translates to 'something gives fear'.
Which one should you use?
While algo da miedo is a general way to say something is scary, other forms offer different nuances. Es aterrador/a means 'It is terrifying', while Es espeluznante means 'It is creepy' or 'It is eerie'. If you want to describe a sensation of physical reaction, Da escalofríos is used if something gives you chills or goosebumps.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The colloquial expression Me da yuyu is used in some regions, such as Spain, to express fear or to say something gives someone the creeps.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase algo da miedo, the verb dar (to give) is used to express the quality of being scary.
Did you know?
- The word sobrecogedor can be used to describe something scary, but it also describes beauty or grandeur that is so overwhelming it takes your breath away.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, talking about certain 'scary' things like the Cuco or El Coco is used to discourage children from misbehaving, similar to the 'Boogeyman' in English.
- The word espeluznante comes from the root pelusa (fluff) or pelo (hair), evoking the image of hair standing on end due to fear.
Examples in context
- La película que vi anoche era aterradora.The movie I watched last night was terrifying.
- Caminar por ese callejón oscuro me da mucho miedo.Walking through that dark alley scares me a lot.
- La casa abandonada en la colina es espeluznante.The abandoned house on the hill is creepy.
- ¡Viste la película de terror? ¡Qué miedo!Did you watch the horror movie? How scary!
- Esa imagen del fantasma me da yuyu.That ghost image gives me the creeps.
- La historia de terror que leí anoche me dio escalofríos.The horror story I read last night gave me chills.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about a haunted house.
- MateoMira esa casa vieja.Look at that old house.
- LucíaSí, creo que algo da miedo allí.Yes, I think something is scary in there.
- Mateo¿Quieres entrar a ver?Do you want to go in and see?
- LucíaNo, gracias, Mateo.No, thank you, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
