Spanish word

susto

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈsusto/

Meaning

  • masculine nounscare

Example

Me dio un susto cuando sonó el teléfono.

It gave me a scare when the phone rang.

Illustration for susto (scare)

More examples

Al abrir la puerta, me llevé un susto por el gato.

When I opened the door, I was startled by the cat.

Core concept

Sudden jolt of alarm and surprise.

Common phrases

  • dar un susto

    give someone a scare

  • llevarse un susto

    be startled

Similar words

sobresalto: Pronounced startled response caused by an abrupt sound or action.
sorpresa: Spontaneous surprise at an unforeseen event.
miedo: Strong apprehension or fear in response to a perceived threat.
espanto: Extreme fright that leaves one horrified and shaken.

Definition in Spanish

Estado pasajero de sobresalto que señala un momento de alarma o choque emocional.

Word origin

From the verb asustar 'to frighten', with the noun-forming -o marking the resulting short-lived state of being startled.

Usage tips

  • The phrase dar un susto commonly means 'to give someone a scare' and usually appears with an indirect object pronoun, as in 'le di un susto'.

Other meanings

  • shocknoun

Opposites

Related words

  • asustarscareverb
  • asustadoscaredadjective

Word lists with this word