How to Say Scare in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, understanding the translation of "scare" in Spanish is crucial for English speakers looking to enhance their language skills or travel to a Spanish-speaking country.
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How to Say Scare in Spanish
In Spanish, the word for "scare" is susto (IPA: /ˈsus.to/). It describes the feeling of fear or fright caused by sudden and unexpected events. Additionally, "susto" can refer to a shock or surprise, making it a versatile term that encapsulates various related emotions.
Meaning of Scare 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 →The term "scaringly" in English refers to something done or experienced in a manner evoking fear. Similarly, aterradoramente (IPA: /a.ter.ro.ra.to.re.me/) conveys the same sense of fear and emphasizes the intensity and alarming nature of an action or situation.
Synonyms of Scare in Spanish
Here are synonyms for "susto" along with their meanings:
- Sobresalto (IPA: /soβreˈsal.to/): A sudden fright, startle, or scare.
- Espanto (IPA: /esˈpanto/): Fright, terror, or shock caused by a sudden event or fear-inducing situation.
- Susto (IPA: /ˈsus.to/): An intense scare or shock, usually caused by a sudden and alarming event. Note that this is the same as "susto," but it's listed here for completeness.
How to Use Scare in Different Tenses
To effectively use "scare" in Spanish across different tenses, consider these examples:
- Pasado Simple (Simple Past): Tuve un susto cuando vi una araña gigante en mi habitación.
- Futuro Simple (Simple Future): No me des un susto así, no quiero tener miedo.
- Pretérito Imperfecto (Imperfect Past): Cuando era niño, tenía mucho miedo de las sombras en mi habitación.
Common Phrases and Idioms Related to Scare in Spanish
Here are some common phrases and idioms related to "scare" in Spanish:
- No me des un susto así: Don't scare me like that.
Casi se muere de miedo: She almost died of fear.
How to Say Scared in Spanish
To express the feeling of being scared, you can use asustado (IPA: /a.sus.ta.do/). This adjective describes someone who is frightened or afraid. For example:
- Estoy asustado porque no puedo encontrar a mi perro.
How to Say Scary in Spanish
To describe something that is scary, use terrorífico (IPA: /ter.or.iˈfi.ko/). This adjective conveys the sense of fear and dread. For example:
- Ese libro es terrorífico; no puedo dormir pensando en él.
How to Say Scare in Spanish: Sample Sentences
Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "scare" in Spanish:
- Tuve susto cuando vi una araña gigante en mi habitación.
- (I got scared when I saw a giant spider in my room.)
- El ruido fuerte del trueno le causó un gran susto.
- (The loud noise of thunder gave her a big scare.)
- No me des un susto así! Casi me da un infarto.
- (Don't scare me like that! I almost had a heart attack.)
- El susto que me llevé al perder mi billetera no tiene nombre.
- (The scare I had when I lost my wallet is indescribable.)
- Cuando era niño, tenía miedo de las sombras en mi habitación.
- (When I was a child, I was afraid of the shadows in my room.)
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