Spanish Conversation · Level 21
90 words
Spanish word
miedo
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈmjeðo/
Meaning
- masculine nounfear
Example
No tengo miedo de hablar en público.
I have no fear of speaking in public.
More examples
Siempre siento miedo antes de un examen.
I always feel afraid before an exam.
Core concept
A person avoiding a dark alley.
Common phrases
tener miedo a
have a fear of
tenerle miedo a alguien
fear someone
sentir miedo
feel afraid
Similar words
temor: Apprehensive, somewhat formal worry about something that might happen or go wrong.
pánico: Intense, sudden terror that overwhelms thinking and provokes rapid escape or panic.
susto: Momentary shock or fright caused by an unexpected event, usually brief and acute.
inquietud: Quiet, nagging anxiety or restlessness that lingers without a clear cause.
Definition in Spanish
Sentimiento de aprehensión o alarma ante algo que se percibe como peligroso, que impulsa a evitarlo.
Word origin
From Latin metus meaning 'fear', preserved through Romance languages into Spanish miedo and seen in cognates like Portuguese medo.
Usage tips
- Miedo usually refers to immediate, instinctive fear, whereas temor is a more formal or abstract concern and ansiedad denotes prolonged worry.