Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “scary” in Spanish. Whether you want to express fear, describe a horror movie, or convey a creepy atmosphere, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to say “scary” in Spanish. So let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Scary” in Spanish
If you want to use a more formal tone, here are some phrases you can use:
Sobrecogedor/a
This formal term is often used to convey a sense of being overwhelmed or deeply affected by fear. It emphasizes the intensity of the scary feeling.
La película que vi anoche fue sobrecogedora. [The movie I watched last night was scary.]
Tenebroso/a
Derived from the word “darkness,” this term is effective when describing a sinister or gloomy atmosphere. It adds an eerie touch to the situation.
El bosque era tenebroso y lleno de misterio. [The forest was scary and filled with mystery.]
Atemorizante
Translated as “frightening” or “terrifying,” this word is commonly used to describe something that causes fear or anxiety.
La casa abandonada era atemorizante de noche. [The abandoned house was scary at night.]
Informal Ways to Say “Scary” in Spanish
If you’re looking for more informal expressions to use among friends or in casual situations, try out these phrases:
Da miedo
This colloquial phrase can be translated as “it’s scary” or “it gives me the creeps.” It’s commonly used to express fear or unease.
¡La película de terror que vimos anoche da mucho miedo! [The horror movie we watched last night is really scary!]
Espeluznante
An informal term that refers to something eerie or hair-raising, often used to describe chilling situations or paranormal events.
El ruido extraño en el sótano era espeluznante. [The strange noise in the basement was scary.]
De miedo
Used to convey something as “scary” or “frightening,” this phrase is frequently employed to describe situations or experiences that evoke fear.
¡El payaso del circo me da mucho miedo! [The clown at the circus scares me a lot!]
Regional Variations in Saying “Scary” in Spanish
While the above phrases are widely used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, specific regions may have their own variations. Here are a few regional expressions:
Asustador/a (used in parts of Latin America)
This term, commonly used in Latin American countries, is similar to “da miedo” and expresses a sense of fear or being frightened.
La historia de la casa embrujada es asustadora. [The story of the haunted house is scary.]
Escalofriante (used in Spain)
This phrase, mainly used in Spain, means “chilling” or “spine-chilling.” It emphasizes the sensation of experiencing fright or shivers.
La leyenda del fantasma es escalofriante. [The ghost legend is scary.]
Some Additional Tips
When using these words or phrases to describe something scary in Spanish, keep the following tips in mind:
- Pay attention to context: Understand the situation and use the appropriate term accordingly.
- Practice pronunciation: Say the words aloud to ensure you’re conveying the right meaning.
- Improve vocabulary: Expand your repertoire of scary-related words, such as “horror” (terror), “fear” (miedo), or “chilling” (escalofriante).
Summing It Up
Congratulations on completing our comprehensive guide on how to say “scary” in Spanish! Remember to adapt your language to the specific level of formality required and consider regional variations when necessary. Now you’re ready to impress your Spanish-speaking friends or confidently express your fears in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
