How to Say “I’m Scared” in Spanish: Using Tener and Estar

When expressing fear in Spanish, you can choose between two common phrases: tener miedo (to have fear) or estar asustado/a (to be scared). Each has its nuances and fits specific situations.

1. Expressing Fear with Tener and Miedo

The phrase tener miedo directly translates to “to have fear.” People use this to describe a general feeling of fear or being scared. To specify the source of the fear, you can add a or de.

Structure:

• Subject + tener (conjugated) + miedo (+ optional a or de).

Examples:

1. Tengo miedo.
   • “I’m scared.”
   • This expresses a general fear without specifying the cause.
2. Tiene miedo de las arañas.
   • “She/He is scared of spiders.”
   • The word de connects the fear to its source.
3. Los niños tienen miedo a la oscuridad.
   • “The children are scared of the dark.”
   • A introduces the object of fear.
4. ¿Tienes miedo de hablar en público?
   • “Are you scared of speaking in public?”
   • A question to ask about a specific fear.

2. Using Estar with Asustado/Asustada

The verb estar pairs with the adjective asustado/a to describe a temporary state of fear. This phrase focuses on how someone feels at a specific moment.

Structure:

• Subject + estar (conjugated) + asustado/a.

Examples:

1. Estoy asustado.
   • “I’m scared.”
   • A male speaker uses asustado.
2. Está asustada porque escuchó un ruido extraño.
   • “She’s scared because she heard a strange noise.”
   • Asustada applies to a female speaker.
3. Estamos asustados por la tormenta.
   • “We’re scared because of the storm.”
   • The adjective agrees with the plural subject (asustados for mixed-gender or all-male groups).
4. ¿Estás asustada?
   • “Are you scared?”
   • A question for a female speaker to describe her immediate feeling.

When to Use Tener vs. Estar

• Choose tener miedo to describe general or ongoing fears.
  • Example: Tengo miedo de los perros grandes.
    (“I’m scared of big dogs.”)
• Use estar asustado/a for temporary or specific situations.
  • Example: Estoy asustada porque vi algo extraño.
    (“I’m scared because I saw something strange.”)

By learning how to use tener miedo and estar asustado/a, you can express fear naturally in Spanish. Whether describing general anxieties or reacting to a specific moment, you’ll have the right tools. Which phrase do you think you’ll use more? Share your thoughts below!