A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Miedo" in Spanish
Express fear or being scared in Spanish with 'Tengo miedo'. Learn when and how to use it.
Tengo miedo
TEN-go MYEH-dohneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use 'Tengo miedo' when you feel scared or afraid of something. For example, you might say it if you're afraid of heights or if you hear a strange noise at night.
Alternatives
- Me da miedoUse when something *causes* you fear.
- Estoy asustado/aUse for a more immediate, startled fear.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'Soy miedo'
Spanish uses 'tener' (to have) for feelings like fear, so say 'Tengo miedo', not 'Soy miedo'.
Confusing with 'miedo' as a noun
'Miedo' alone means 'fear', but you need 'Tengo miedo' to say 'I am scared'.
A small cultural note
While 'Tengo miedo' is common, expressing fear can sometimes be seen as a sign of vulnerability. Context and your relationship with the listener are important.
Frequently asked
how to say i am scared in spanish
The most common way to say 'I am scared' in Spanish is 'Tengo miedo'. This literally translates to 'I have fear'.
tengo miedo vs estoy asustado
'Tengo miedo' expresses a general feeling of fear or anxiety about something. 'Estoy asustado/a' often implies a more sudden or startled reaction to something specific.
what does tengo miedo mean
'Tengo miedo' means 'I am scared' or 'I have fear'. It's used to express that you feel afraid of something.
What does miedo mean in Spanish?
Miedo means fear in Spanish. It is a noun that describes the emotion of fear.
How to use miedo in Spanish?
Miedo is often used with the verb 'tener' (to have), as in 'tengo miedo' (I am afraid). It can also be used after prepositions like 'a' or 'de'.
What is the difference between temo and miedo?
Miedo is the noun for fear, while 'temo' is the first-person singular present tense of the verb 'temer', meaning 'I fear'.
Is it me da miedo or tengo miedo?
Both 'me da miedo' and 'tengo miedo' are correct ways to express fear. 'Tengo miedo' literally means 'I have fear', while 'me da miedo' means 'it gives me fear'.
