avoir peur

You need to conjugate the verb avoir (to have). Match it to the person who is scared. If you are scared of something specific, use de. For example, J'ai peur du noir means 'I am afraid of the dark.' Remember that de + le becomes du. It is a simple, plug-and-play phrase for your daily life.

Use it whenever you feel a chill down your spine. Use it at the movies during a horror flick. Use it when you see a massive spider in the shower. It is perfect for telling a friend you are nervous about a test. You can even use it when texting to show hesitation. It is a very versatile and 'safe' expression.

Never use the verb être (to be) with this phrase. Saying je suis peur is a classic mistake. It sounds like you are saying 'I am the concept of fear.' Also, do not use it for 'I'm afraid so' in a polite way. For that, French speakers usually say J'en ai bien peur. Keep it strictly for the feeling of being scared.

French culture can be quite expressive about feelings. However, admitting fear can be seen as a sign of vulnerability or honesty. In many French films, characters openly discuss their fears to build intimacy. There is no stigma in saying j'ai peur among friends. It is a bridge to a deeper conversation. It shows you trust the person you are talking to.

If you want to sound more like a local, try avoir la trouille. This is very informal and common among young people. Another fun one is avoir les jetons, which means you are shaking. For a more formal setting, you might hear the verb craindre. But for 90% of your life, avoir peur is your best friend.