How to Say Fearful in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, mastering the nuances of expressing fear in Spanish is crucial for effective communication. The English word "fearful" translates to temeroso(a) in Spanish, an adjective used to describe a state of apprehension or anxiety.
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What is "Fearful" in Spanish?
The primary translation of "fearful" in Spanish is temeroso(a) (IPA: /temeˈɾoso(a)/). This adjective captures the essence of being afraid or apprehensive about a situation. In addition to this, understanding how fear manifests culturally and linguistically in Spanish-speaking countries can provide deeper insight into its usage.
Meaning of "Fearful" in Spanish
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →When you use temeroso(a), it conveys a sense of fear or anxiety, often related to potential dangers or unknown situations. It can also describe being scared or worried about something.
Synonyms and Related Phrases for "Fearful" in Spanish
Here are several synonyms of temeroso(a), each with its own nuances:
- Asustado(a) (IPA: /asusˈtaðo(a)/): Afraid or scared.
- Espantado(a) (IPA: /espanˈtaðo(a)/): Frightened or terrified.
- Atemorizado(a) (IPA: /atemoɾiˈθaðo(a)/): Fearful or intimidated.
- Acobardado(a) (IPA: /akoβaɾˈðaðo(a)/): Cowed or intimidated, feeling fear or lack of courage.
- Sobresaltado(a) (IPA: /soβɾesalˈtaðo(a)/): Startled or startled, experiencing a sudden shock or surprise.
These synonyms offer variety in expressing fear and apprehension. For example, "Estoy asustado de las alturas." (I am scared of heights.)
Common Phrases and Idioms Related to Fear
In Spanish-speaking cultures, fear is often expressed through idiomatic expressions. For instance:
- Estoy con los pelos de punta.
- Tengo miedo a que...
- No me da miedo, pero estoy temeroso/a.
These phrases provide context and cultural insight into how fear is perceived and communicated in Spanish-speaking communities.
How to Say "Fearful" in Spanish: Sample Sentences with Synonyms
Here are additional sample sentences using synonyms for temeroso(a):
- Marta está asustada de los perros después de ese incidente.
(Marta is scared of dogs after that incident.)
- Antes de la presentación, Juan estaba atemorizado de hablar en público.
(Before the presentation, Juan was fearful of public speaking.)
- La película de terror me dejó espantado durante días.
(The horror movie left me terrified for days.)
- Los niños estaban sobresaltados durante la tormenta eléctrica.
(The children were startled during the thunderstorm.)
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The fastest way to grow your Spanish vocabulary is to start with the words you'll actually encounter every day. The Spanish Frequency Dictionary covers the 2,500 most common Spanish words, each with IPA pronunciation, an English translation, and bilingual example sentences.
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