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How To Say "To Scare" In Spanish

When learning a new language, understanding the translations of verbs is crucial. In this article, we will explore how to say the English verb "to scare" in Spanish, along with its meaning and adequate synonyms. Whether you are planning to travel to a Spanish-speaking country or simply want to enhance your language skills, knowing how to express the concept of "to scare" accurately is essential.

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What is "To Scare" in Spanish?

The English verb "to scare" translates to Spanish as asustar (IPA: /aˈsus̺taɾ/). This term is commonly used across many Spanish-speaking regions to convey the act of frightening or causing fear to someone or something. It is essential to understand the proper context in which "asustar" is used, as it can vary slightly in different regions.

Meaning of "To Scare" in Spanish

"Asustar" represents the concept of instilling fear, shock, or terror in someone or something. It is an action that triggers an emotional reaction and is often unintentional. The term can be used in various contexts, such as describing a sudden loud noise scaring a person, a scary movie, or even a spooky experience.

Synonyms of "To Scare" in Spanish

Here are synonyms of "asustar" in Spanish, along with their meanings:

  • Espantar (IPA: /es.panˈtar/): To scare/startle. To cause sudden fear or frighten someone or something abruptly.
  • Sobresaltar (IPA: /so.βɾe.salˈtaɾ/): To startle. To surprise or shock someone suddenly, causing them to react with fear or anxiety.
  • Atemorizar (IPA: /a.te.mo.ɾiˈθaɾ/): To frighten. To instill fear or terror in someone, making them feel afraid or scared.
  • Horrorizar (IPA: /o.ɾoɾiˈθaɾ/): To horrify. To shock or appall someone intensely, often by something gruesome or terrifying.
  • Dar susto (IPA: /daɾ ˈsus.to/): To give a fright. To cause fear or alarm in someone by sudden or unexpected means.
  • Dar un susto (IPA: /daɾ un ˈsus.to/): To scare/startle. To give someone a sudden scare or startle them.
  • Infundir miedo (IPA: /in.funˈdiɾ ˈmjeðo/): To instill fear. To inspire or induce fear in someone, making them feel frightened or scared.
  • Causar pavor (IPA: /kau̯ˈsaɾ paˈβoɾ/): To cause terror. To elicit a strong feeling of extreme fear or dread in someone.
  • Atemorar (IPA: /a.te.moˈɾaɾ/): To terrify. To cause intense fear or terror in someone, making them feel horrified or petrified.
  • Angustiar (IPA: /an.ɡusˈtjaɾ/): To distress. To cause anxiety or anguish, often resulting in a state of emotional discomfort.

—The noun, adjective, and adverb forms of to scare in Spanish (scare, scared, scary, scaringly) are analyzed in other MostUsedWords.com blog posts. 

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How to Say "To Scare" in Spanish: Sample Sentences

Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "to scare" in Spanish:

  • El ruido fuerte me asustó.

(The loud noise scared me.)

  • ¡No me asustes así!

(Don't scare me like that!)

  • Esta película de terror me da miedo.

(This horror movie scares me.)

  • A mi hermanita le encanta espantar a los pájaros.

(My little sister loves scaring the birds away.)

  • No sabía que ese cuadro iba a dar un susto a los visitantes.

(I didn't know that painting was going to scare the visitors.)

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Conclusion

Learning how to say the English verb "to scare" in Spanish is a valuable step towards becoming fluent in the language. "Asustar" serves as the standard translation for this term, but it is essential to be aware of adequate synonyms like "espantar," "sobresaltar," and "atemorizar." Understanding the proper context and usage of these expressions will help you communicate effectively and navigate various Spanish-speaking regions with confidence. So, go ahead and practice using "asustar" in sentences, and immerse yourself in the richness of the Spanish language and its diverse cultural expressions. Happy learning!


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