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B1 adjective #10,000 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

temeroso

Top 10,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces temeroso en 30 secondes

Explication temeroso in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to express basic emotions. While 'temeroso' might be a bit advanced for a complete beginner, it is helpful to understand it in relation to 'tener miedo' (to have fear). An A1 student might say 'Tengo miedo de los perros' (I am afraid of dogs). 'Temeroso' is the adjective form of that feeling. Think of it as 'being afraid.' At this stage, you should focus on the basic meaning: feeling fear. You might see it in simple stories or hear it in very clear contexts. The most important thing to remember is that it describes how someone feels. It is like saying 'I am a fearful person' or 'I am afraid right now.' You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet, just recognize that it means 'afraid.' Use it with the verb 'estar' to say how you feel: 'Estoy temeroso.' Remember to change the ending: 'temeroso' for a boy, 'temerosa' for a girl. This is a great way to start building a more descriptive vocabulary beyond just the most basic verbs. Even at A1, knowing a few 'bigger' words like 'temeroso' can make your Spanish sound much more impressive to native speakers. Focus on identifying the word when you hear it and understanding that it is a synonym for 'con miedo.' Practice saying it slowly to get the 'r' sound right in the middle: teh-meh-ROH-soh. It is a useful word for describing characters in simple picture books or for telling someone why you don't want to do something scary, like 'Estoy temeroso de la oscuridad' (I am afraid of the dark).

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By the A2 level, you are starting to describe people's personalities and more specific situations. 'Temeroso' is a useful word for this. You can use it to describe a character in a story or a friend who is always worried. At this level, you should start using it with 'ser' and 'estar' correctly. Use 'ser temeroso' for someone who is generally a fearful person. Use 'estar temeroso' for someone who is afraid at a specific moment. You should also learn the preposition 'de' that almost always follows it. For example, 'Ella está temerosa de los exámenes' (She is fearful of exams). This level is also where you should practice the plural forms: 'Ellos están temerosos.' You might encounter this word in short news articles or intermediate level reading materials. It's a step up from 'miedoso,' which sounds a bit like 'scaredy-cat.' Using 'temeroso' makes you sound more mature and precise. Try to use it when describing your reactions to things in the past, like 'Estaba temeroso cuando vi la película' (I was fearful when I saw the movie). This helps you practice adjective agreement and verb conjugation together. You can also start using adverbs like 'un poco' (a little) or 'muy' (very) to modify it: 'Estoy un poco temeroso.' This adds more detail to your speech. At A2, your goal is to use 'temeroso' in simple but complete sentences to describe feelings and personality traits accurately.

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At the B1 level, 'temeroso' is a key vocabulary word. You are expected to handle more abstract topics and express your opinions and feelings with more nuance. You should understand that 'temeroso' isn't just about physical fear, but also about apprehension and concern. For example, you might be 'temeroso del futuro' or 'temeroso de tomar una decisión equivocada.' This is also the level where you should master the use of the subjunctive after 'temeroso de que.' For instance, 'Estoy temeroso de que no haya suficiente comida' (I am fearful that there might not be enough food). This shows a high level of grammatical control. You should also be able to distinguish 'temeroso' from its synonyms like 'receloso' (suspicious) or 'aprensivo' (apprehensive). B1 learners should use 'temeroso' in writing assignments, such as describing a character's motivations in a book review or explaining their own hesitations in a personal essay. You will hear this word in podcasts, TV shows, and more formal conversations. It is a versatile word that helps you bridge the gap between basic emotional descriptions and more sophisticated psychological analysis. Pay attention to how it is used in different contexts—professional, religious, and personal. For example, in a job interview, you might say you are 'temeroso de no cumplir con las expectativas' to show humility and a desire to succeed. Mastering 'temeroso' at B1 means using it naturally in both speech and writing, with correct prepositional use and grammatical agreement.

At the B2 level, you should have a deep understanding of the stylistic and contextual nuances of 'temeroso.' You should recognize it as a more formal and literary choice compared to 'miedoso' or 'asustado.' B2 learners should be able to use 'temeroso' in complex argumentative essays and formal presentations. You might use it to describe the public's reaction to a new law or a historical figure's hesitation before a major event. You should also be familiar with fixed expressions like 'temeroso de Dios' and understand their cultural and historical significance. At this level, you can use 'temeroso' to create specific moods in your creative writing. For example, describing a 'silencio temeroso' (a fearful silence) adds a layer of personification and atmosphere. You should also be comfortable using it with a wide range of adverbs and in various sentence structures, including those that involve the passive voice or complex subordinate clauses. B2 students should be able to explain the difference between being 'temeroso' and being 'prudente' (prudent) or 'cauteloso' (cautious). This ability to discuss the 'shades of meaning' is a hallmark of B2 proficiency. You will find 'temeroso' in more challenging texts, such as editorials, classic literature, and academic journals. Your goal is to use it with the same ease and precision as a native speaker, choosing it specifically when you want to convey a sense of formal or deep-seated apprehension. You should also be able to identify its use in figurative language and metaphors, enriching your overall comprehension of advanced Spanish.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'temeroso' should be indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You should be able to use it to discuss complex philosophical, psychological, and sociological concepts. For example, you might analyze how a society becomes 'temerosa de la alteridad' (fearful of otherness) or discuss the 'sujeto temeroso' in existentialist literature. At this level, you understand the subtle rhythmic and phonetic qualities the word brings to a sentence, using it for rhetorical effect in speeches or high-level academic writing. You should be able to navigate the most complex grammatical structures involving 'temeroso,' such as its use in long, nested sentences with multiple levels of subordination and the subjunctive mood. You will also recognize archaic or highly literary uses of the word in Golden Age Spanish literature or formal legal documents. C1 learners should be able to debate the nuances between 'temeroso,' 'pávido,' 'trémulo,' and 'espantado,' choosing the exact word that fits the desired register and emotional intensity. You should also be aware of how 'temeroso' can be used ironically or sarcastically in certain contexts. Your mastery of the word includes knowing its entire word family and how to derive related meanings. You should be able to provide detailed definitions and examples of the word in use, just as you are doing now. At C1, 'temeroso' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for precise and evocative expression in the most demanding linguistic environments.

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At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'temeroso' and all its possible applications. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from the most technical scientific report to the most avant-garde poetry. You understand its historical evolution from Latin and how its meaning has shifted and stabilized over centuries of Spanish literature. You can use 'temeroso' to evoke specific historical periods or to mimic the style of particular authors. At this level, you might use the word in a highly abstract sense, such as 'un tiempo temeroso' to describe a period of history characterized by anxiety. You are also fully aware of the word's presence in regional dialects and how its frequency or nuance might change across the Spanish-speaking world. C2 learners can play with the word, using it in puns, complex metaphors, and sophisticated wordplay. You should be able to critique the use of 'temeroso' in others' writing, suggesting more precise or evocative alternatives when necessary. Your understanding of the word is deeply integrated with your overall cultural and linguistic competence, allowing you to use it as a bridge to other concepts in Spanish history, religion, and art. At C2, 'temeroso' is a word you can wield with complete creative freedom, confident in your ability to convey the exact shade of meaning, tone, and register required by the situation. You are not just using the language; you are shaping it, and 'temeroso' is one of the many instruments at your disposal for creating nuanced and powerful communication.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

temeroso en 30 secondes

Temeroso is a formal Spanish adjective meaning 'fearful' or 'apprehensive'.
It is commonly used with the preposition 'de' to indicate the source of fear.
It must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes (temeroso/a/os/as).
It is more formal than 'miedoso' and suggests a deeper, often situational dread.

The Spanish word temeroso is a multifaceted adjective that primarily translates to 'fearful,' 'apprehensive,' or 'afraid' in English. Etymologically, it is derived from the noun temor (fear), which traces back to the Latin timor. The suffix -oso is a common Spanish morphological component that transforms a noun into an adjective, signifying 'full of' or 'characterized by.' Therefore, someone who is temeroso is literally 'full of fear.' However, the usage of this word extends beyond simple terror. It often describes a dispositional state or a specific reaction to a perceived threat, whether that threat is physical, emotional, or social. In the hierarchy of Spanish synonyms for fear, temeroso occupies a middle ground of formality. It is more elevated than the colloquial tener miedo or the adjective miedoso, which is frequently used to describe children or a general 'scaredy-cat' personality. When an adult is described as temeroso, it suggests a more contemplative or situational apprehension. For instance, a businessman might be temeroso de la inestabilidad del mercado (fearful of market instability). This highlights a key grammatical feature: the word is almost always followed by the preposition de when indicating the source of the fear.

Semantic Nuance: Unlike 'asustado,' which implies a sudden shock or a momentary state of being startled, 'temeroso' suggests a more enduring or anticipatory feeling of dread. It is the difference between jumping at a loud noise and worrying about a future event.

El joven caminaba por el bosque, temeroso de encontrarse con alguna fiera salvaje.

Register and Context: In literary contexts, 'temeroso' is used to build atmosphere. It evokes a sense of vulnerability. In religious contexts, it takes on a specific meaning in the phrase 'temeroso de Dios,' which translates to 'God-fearing.' Here, the fear is not one of terror, but of profound respect, awe, and a desire to remain within moral boundaries.

Ella siempre ha sido una persona temerosa, evitando cualquier tipo de riesgo innecesario.

Grammatical Agreement: As an adjective ending in -o, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: temeroso (masculine singular), temerosa (feminine singular), temerosos (masculine plural), and temerosas (feminine plural).

Las niñas estaban temerosas ante la idea de subir a la montaña rusa.

Se mostró temeroso al hablar en público, pero finalmente logró dar su discurso.

No seas tan temeroso; la vida requiere un poco de audacia de vez en cuando.

Understanding 'temeroso' requires recognizing its psychological weight. It describes a state of vulnerability where the subject is acutely aware of potential danger. In modern Spanish, you will frequently hear it in news reports discussing societal anxieties, such as being 'temeroso del futuro' or 'temeroso por la economía.' It is a word that conveys a sense of intellectualized fear, making it indispensable for B1 learners who wish to express complex emotional states beyond the basics of A1 and A2 levels. By mastering 'temeroso,' you gain the ability to describe characters in stories, analyze political climates, and express your own hesitations with precision.

Using temeroso correctly in a sentence involves understanding its relationship with verbs of state and the prepositions that follow it. The most common structure is [Subject] + [Verb] + temeroso + de + [Noun/Infinitive]. This structure allows you to specify exactly what is causing the fear. For example, 'Estoy temeroso de perder mi empleo' (I am fearful of losing my job). Here, the infinitive 'perder' serves as the object of the fear. If the object is a noun, the structure remains the same: 'Estamos temerosos de la tormenta' (We are fearful of the storm).

Ser vs. Estar: The choice between 'ser' and 'estar' changes the meaning significantly. Use 'ser' to describe a personality trait: 'Él es un hombre temeroso' means he is a fearful man by nature. Use 'estar' to describe a temporary state: 'Él está temeroso hoy' means he is feeling fearful today due to specific circumstances.

Los inversores están temerosos de que la inflación siga subiendo este trimestre.

Using 'Por' instead of 'De': While 'de' is standard, 'por' can be used to indicate 'on behalf of' or 'because of' a person's safety. 'Estoy temeroso por mi hijo' means 'I am fearful for my son (for his safety).' This shift in preposition changes the focus from the source of fear to the object of concern.

Se sentía temerosa al entrar en la habitación oscura sin una linterna.

Adverbial Modification: You can modify 'temeroso' with adverbs to show intensity: 'muy temeroso' (very fearful), 'algo temeroso' (somewhat fearful), or 'extremadamente temeroso' (extremely fearful). This adds precision to your descriptions.

El perro, temeroso por el ruido de los petardos, se escondió debajo de la cama.

¿Por qué estás tan temeroso? No hay nada que pueda hacerte daño aquí.

In complex sentences, 'temeroso' can be part of a subordinate clause: 'Aunque estaba temeroso, decidió enfrentar su destino.' (Although he was fearful, he decided to face his destiny). This construction is common in narrative writing. It serves to contrast the internal emotional state with the external action. Another advanced usage involves the subjunctive mood when 'temeroso de que' is followed by a clause: 'Estoy temeroso de que no lleguemos a tiempo.' (I am fearful that we might not arrive on time). The use of the subjunctive 'lleguemos' is mandatory here because the main clause expresses an emotion or doubt about a future event. Mastery of these patterns allows a speaker to move from simple sentences to complex, nuanced communication. Whether you are describing a character's internal monologue or explaining a cautious business decision, 'temeroso' provides the necessary depth. It is also worth noting that in plural forms, the 'o' changes to 'os' for masculine or mixed groups, and 'as' for feminine groups. For example, 'Los ciudadanos están temerosos' versus 'Las ciudadanas están temerosas.' Consistency in gender and number agreement is a hallmark of an intermediate learner's proficiency. By practicing these structures, you will find that 'temeroso' becomes a natural part of your descriptive vocabulary, allowing you to articulate the subtle shades of apprehension that define much of human experience.

While you might hear temeroso in daily conversation, it is particularly prevalent in specific domains such as literature, journalism, psychology, and formal oratory. In literature, authors use it to paint a vivid picture of a character's vulnerability. Gothic novels, suspense thrillers, and historical dramas are rife with characters who are temerosos of ghosts, betrayal, or social ruin. In these contexts, the word carries a weight that the more common asustado lacks; it implies a deep-seated, often existential dread. Journalism is another field where 'temeroso' is a frequent guest. When reporting on economic crises, political instability, or environmental disasters, journalists often describe the public as being 'temerosa del futuro' or 'temerosa ante las nuevas medidas.' Here, the word conveys a collective sense of apprehension that affects society at large.

News Media: Listen for it in headlines: 'Mercados temerosos ante la subida de tipos.' (Markets fearful in the face of rate hikes). It suggests a cautious, defensive stance by economic actors.

El analista se mostró temeroso respecto a la viabilidad del proyecto a largo plazo.

Religious and Philosophical Contexts: In sermons or religious texts, you will encounter 'temeroso de Dios.' This is a fixed expression that does not imply cowardice, but rather a virtuous piety and respect for divine law. Philosophically, it might be used to describe humanity's relationship with the unknown or the sublime.

Es un líder temeroso de Dios y comprometido con su comunidad.

Psychology and Self-Help: In therapeutic settings, a psychologist might ask, '¿De qué te sientes temeroso?' (What are you fearful of?). This usage focuses on the internal experience of anxiety and the identification of specific triggers.

Muchos pacientes llegan al consultorio temerosos de no ser comprendidos.

El orador, aunque temeroso al principio, terminó cautivando a toda la audiencia.

In television dramas and films, 'temeroso' is used to develop character arcs. A protagonist might start as a 'temeroso' individual who eventually finds their courage. This progression is a staple of storytelling. You will also find the word in academic papers discussing history—for example, describing a population that was 'temerosa de las represalias' (fearful of reprisals) during a conflict. This formal usage underscores the gravity of the situation. In summary, while you might use 'tengo miedo' to say you are afraid of a spider, you would use 'temeroso' to describe a deeper, more significant, or more formal type of apprehension. Paying attention to these contexts will help you understand the subtle social and emotional signals that native speakers convey when they choose this specific adjective over its more common synonyms. Whether you are reading a newspaper in Madrid, watching a soap opera from Mexico, or listening to a sermon in Colombia, 'temeroso' is a word that resonates with a shared human experience of caution and respect for the unknown.

Learning to use temeroso correctly involves navigating several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. The first and most frequent mistake is using the wrong preposition. In English, we are 'fearful of' or 'afraid of'. Fortunately, Spanish also uses de, but students often mistakenly use con or a because they are translating other concepts like 'angry with' or 'used to'. Always remember: temeroso de. Another common error is confusing temeroso with temible. This is a classic 'false friend' or related word confusion. Temeroso describes the person who feels the fear, while temible describes the thing that causes the fear. If you say 'El monstruo es temeroso,' you are saying the monster is afraid. If you mean the monster is scary, you must say 'El monstruo es temible.'

Confusion with 'Miedoso': While both words mean 'fearful,' 'miedoso' is more informal and often implies a negative character trait (like being a coward). Using 'miedoso' in a formal report or a serious literary analysis might sound too childish or disrespectful. 'Temeroso' is the safer, more professional choice.

Incorrect: Estoy temeroso a los perros.
Correct: Estoy temeroso de los perros.

Gender and Number Agreement: Because 'temeroso' is an adjective, it must change to match the noun. English speakers often forget this and use 'temeroso' for everything. Remember: una mujer temerosa, unos hombres temerosos, unas mujeres temerosas.

Incorrect: Las niñas son temeroso.
Correct: Las niñas son temerosas.

Misusing the Subjunctive: When you say 'Estoy temeroso de que...', the following verb must be in the subjunctive. English speakers often use the indicative. 'Estoy temeroso de que llueva' (correct) vs 'Estoy temeroso de que llueve' (incorrect).

No confunda temeroso con temerario. Un 'temerario' es alguien que no tiene miedo y toma riesgos peligrosos (reckless), ¡lo opuesto!

¿Eres temeroso o simplemente precavido? Hay una delgada línea entre ambos.

Another subtle mistake is overusing 'temeroso' when 'asustado' is more appropriate for a physical reaction. If someone jumps out and yells 'Boo!', you are 'asustado,' not 'temeroso.' 'Temeroso' implies a more cognitive process of anticipating danger. Furthermore, avoid using 'temeroso' as a noun. While in English you can say 'the fearful,' in Spanish you would usually say 'los temerosos' or 'las personas temerosas.' Finally, be careful with the word 'temerario.' It looks like 'temeroso' but means 'reckless' or 'bold to the point of danger.' Confusing these two could lead to saying the exact opposite of what you intend. By keeping these common errors in mind and focusing on the correct prepositional use and adjective agreement, you will significantly improve your accuracy and sound more like a native speaker. Practice using 'temeroso' in different contexts—religious, professional, and personal—to solidify your understanding of its specific nuances and avoid these typical learner mistakes.

To truly master temeroso, it is helpful to compare it with other words in the Spanish 'fear' family. Each word carries a specific nuance that dictates its usage. The most common alternative is miedoso. As discussed, 'miedoso' is more colloquial and often describes a general character trait of being easily scared. It is often used for children or pets. For example, 'Mi perro es muy miedoso.' In contrast, 'temeroso' is more formal and often situational. Another important word is asustado. This is the past participle of the verb 'asustar' (to scare) and describes a temporary state of having been frightened. If you see a ghost, you are 'asustado.' If you are worried about your future, you are 'temeroso.'

Receloso: This word means 'suspicious' or 'distrustful.' While it involves fear, it is specifically the fear of being deceived or harmed by someone else's intentions. 'Él está receloso de las nuevas políticas' suggests he doesn't trust them.

Se encontraba receloso, sin saber si podía confiar en el extraño que le ofrecía ayuda.

Aprensivo: This is a close synonym for 'temeroso' but often focuses on health or hypothetical dangers. An 'aprensivo' person might worry excessively about germs or small symptoms. It conveys a sense of nervous anticipation.

El incendio fue una escena pavorosa que dejó a todos los vecinos conmocionados.

Acobardado: This word comes from 'cobarde' (coward). It describes someone who has been intimidated or has lost their courage in a specific situation. 'El boxeador parecía acobardado ante su oponente.'

No te quedes acobardado en un rincón; sal y defiende tus ideas con firmeza.

Incluso el guerrero más valiente puede sentirse temeroso antes de la batalla.

Exploring these alternatives allows you to choose the exact word that fits the emotional 'color' of your sentence. If you want to sound literary, use 'temeroso.' If you are talking to a child, use 'miedoso.' If you are describing a sudden fright, use 'asustado.' If you are describing a suspicious person, use 'receloso.' This variety is what makes Spanish such a rich and expressive language. For B1 learners, the goal is to stop relying on 'tener miedo' for every situation and start using these more precise adjectives. By doing so, you demonstrate a deeper understanding of the language and a more sophisticated ability to express human emotions. Remember to check the gender and number agreement for all these adjectives, as they all follow the same rules as 'temeroso.' Expanding your vocabulary in this way will make your Spanish sound more natural and nuanced, whether you are writing an essay, having a conversation, or reading a novel. Practice substituting 'temeroso' with these alternatives in different sentences to see how the meaning shifts and which one feels most appropriate for the context.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'temerario' (reckless) comes from the same root, but it originally meant someone who acted in the dark (temere), and thus blindly or without fear, which is why it means the opposite of 'temeroso' today!

Guide de prononciation

UK /te.me.ˈɾo.so/

US /te.me.ˈɾo.so/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: te-me-RO-so.

Rime avec

hermoso famoso ansioso curioso gozoso mentiroso precioso ruidoso

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (rhotic).
Adding a 'w' sound to the 'o' (making it a diphthong like in 'go').
Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z'.
Stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., TE-me-ro-so).
Making the 'e' sound too much like 'ee'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its similarity to 'temor'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct prepositional use and subjunctive knowledge.

Expression orale 4/5

Requires remembering gender/number agreement in real-time.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation and distinct from most other common words.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

miedo temor ser estar de

Apprends ensuite

temible receloso aprensivo subjuntivo preposiciones

Avancé

pávido trémulo pusilánime pavoroso

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Agreement

Las niñas temerosas.

Subjunctive after emotions

Temo que venga / Estoy temeroso de que venga.

Prepositional usage with 'de'

Temeroso de la verdad.

Ser vs Estar with adjectives

Es temeroso (trait) vs Está temeroso (state).

Adverbial modification

Extremadamente temeroso.

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Exemples par niveau

El niño está temeroso de la oscuridad.

The boy is fearful of the dark.

Uses 'estar' for a temporary state and 'de' for the object of fear.

Yo soy un poco temeroso.

I am a little fearful.

Uses 'ser' to describe a general personality trait.

¿Estás temerosa de los perros?

Are you (feminine) fearful of dogs?

Feminine singular agreement (temerosa).

Él no es temeroso.

He is not fearful.

Negative sentence structure.

Nosotros estamos temerosos hoy.

We are fearful today.

Masculine plural agreement (temerosos).

Ella siempre está temerosa.

She is always fearful.

Adverb 'siempre' modifies the frequency.

El gato está temeroso del agua.

The cat is fearful of water.

Agreement with the masculine noun 'gato'.

¿Por qué estás temeroso?

Why are you fearful?

Interrogative sentence.

Mi hermano es muy temeroso de las alturas.

My brother is very fearful of heights.

Use of 'muy' for intensity.

Las niñas estaban temerosas durante la tormenta.

The girls were fearful during the storm.

Past tense 'estaban' and feminine plural agreement.

No seas temeroso, todo va a estar bien.

Don't be fearful, everything is going to be fine.

Imperative (command) form 'no seas'.

Pareces temeroso de hablar con el jefe.

You seem fearful of talking to the boss.

Verb 'parecer' (to seem) used with the adjective.

El perro temeroso se escondió bajo la mesa.

The fearful dog hid under the table.

Adjective used directly after the noun.

Estamos temerosos de perder el tren.

We are fearful of missing the train.

Infinitive 'perder' after 'de'.

Ella se siente temerosa en la ciudad nueva.

She feels fearful in the new city.

Verb 'sentirse' (to feel) used with the adjective.

Los estudiantes estaban temerosos por el examen final.

The students were fearful because of the final exam.

Use of 'por' to indicate the cause of fear.

Muchos ciudadanos están temerosos de la situación económica.

Many citizens are fearful of the economic situation.

Abstract object of fear ('situación económica').

Estoy temeroso de que no podamos terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

I am fearful that we might not be able to finish the project on time.

Use of 'que' followed by the subjunctive 'podamos'.

Se mostró temeroso al admitir su error ante el público.

He showed himself fearful when admitting his mistake before the public.

Reflexive verb 'mostrarse' (to show oneself).

Aunque estaba temeroso, decidió saltar en paracaídas.

Although he was fearful, he decided to skydive.

Concessive clause with 'aunque'.

Es un hombre temeroso de Dios y muy respetado.

He is a God-fearing man and very respected.

Fixed religious expression.

La empresa está temerosa de la competencia extranjera.

The company is fearful of foreign competition.

Collective noun 'empresa' (feminine singular).

Me siento temeroso por el bienestar de mi familia.

I feel fearful for my family's well-being.

Use of 'por' meaning 'for the sake of'.

No debemos ser temerosos ante los desafíos de la vida.

We should not be fearful in the face of life's challenges.

Modal verb 'deber' (should/must).

La población, temerosa de las represalias, guardó silencio.

The population, fearful of reprisals, kept silent.

Adjective phrase used as an appositive.

El inversor se volvió temeroso tras la caída de la bolsa.

The investor became fearful after the stock market crash.

Verb of change 'volverse' (to become).

Sigue temeroso de que sus secretos salgan a la luz.

He remains fearful that his secrets might come to light.

Verb 'seguir' (to continue/remain) with the adjective.

Un silencio temeroso inundó la sala de espera.

A fearful silence flooded the waiting room.

Metaphorical use describing an atmosphere.

Era un joven temeroso, marcado por experiencias pasadas.

He was a fearful young man, marked by past experiences.

Descriptive narrative style.

Los científicos están temerosos de que el cambio climático sea irreversible.

Scientists are fearful that climate change may be irreversible.

Subjunctive 'sea' after 'temerosos de que'.

Se alejó del precipicio, temeroso de perder el equilibrio.

He moved away from the cliff, fearful of losing his balance.

Participial-like adjective phrase.

A pesar de ser temeroso por naturaleza, actuó con valentía.

Despite being fearful by nature, he acted with bravery.

Phrase 'por naturaleza' (by nature).

La modernidad nos ha vuelto seres temerosos de nuestra propia sombra.

Modernity has turned us into beings fearful of our own shadow.

Figurative and philosophical usage.

Su discurso, aunque elocuente, revelaba un espíritu temeroso del cambio.

His speech, though eloquent, revealed a spirit fearful of change.

Complex sentence structure with contrasting clauses.

Vivimos en una sociedad temerosa de la incertidumbre.

We live in a society fearful of uncertainty.

Sociological commentary.

El artista se mostraba temeroso de que su obra fuera malinterpretada.

The artist appeared fearful that his work would be misinterpreted.

Imperfect subjunctive 'fuera' in the subordinate clause.

Bajo su apariencia ruda, se escondía un corazón temeroso y frágil.

Beneath his tough appearance, a fearful and fragile heart was hidden.

Literary contrast and inversion of subject/verb.

Los mercados reaccionaron de forma temerosa ante el anuncio del gobierno.

The markets reacted in a fearful manner to the government's announcement.

Adverbial phrase 'de forma temerosa'.

Se sentía temeroso de no estar a la altura de las circunstancias.

He felt fearful of not being up to the task (meeting the circumstances).

Idiomatic expression 'estar a la altura'.

Ese gesto temeroso delató su culpabilidad ante el juez.

That fearful gesture betrayed his guilt before the judge.

Adjective modifying 'gesto' as the subject.

La lírica del autor destila un sentimiento temeroso ante la finitud de la vida.

The author's lyricism exudes a fearful sentiment before the finiteness of life.

High literary register with abstract nouns.

Se hallaba en un estado temeroso, casi catatónico, tras el suceso.

He was in a fearful state, almost catatonic, after the event.

Use of 'hallarse' for 'to be' in a specific state.

Su mirada, temerosa y esquiva, sugería un trauma profundo.

His gaze, fearful and evasive, suggested a deep trauma.

Pairs of adjectives for descriptive depth.

El pueblo, temeroso de la ira divina, realizaba constantes ofrendas.

The people, fearful of divine wrath, made constant offerings.

Historical/Anthropological context.

No es sino un hombre temeroso disfrazado de tirano.

He is nothing but a fearful man disguised as a tyrant.

Complex negation 'no es sino' (is nothing but).

La arquitectura del edificio buscaba intimidar al visitante temeroso.

The building's architecture sought to intimidate the fearful visitor.

Personification of architectural intent.

Temeroso de herir su susceptibilidad, optó por el silencio.

Fearful of hurting her feelings (susceptibility), he opted for silence.

Formal vocabulary 'susceptibilidad'.

Aquel invierno temeroso quedó grabado en la memoria colectiva.

That fearful winter remained engraved in the collective memory.

Metaphorical use of 'temeroso' to describe a season.

Collocations courantes

temeroso de Dios

temeroso del futuro

temeroso del fracaso

silencio temeroso

mirada temerosa

temeroso de las consecuencias

estar temeroso de que

sentirse temeroso

pueblo temeroso

gesto temeroso

Phrases Courantes

estar temeroso de

— To be fearful of something or someone.

Estoy temeroso de su reacción.

ser temeroso de

— To be a fearful person by nature regarding something.

Ella es temerosa de las alturas.

temeroso por

— To be fearful on behalf of someone else's safety.

Estoy temeroso por la salud de mi abuelo.

temeroso ante

— To be fearful when facing a specific situation or obstacle.

Se siente temeroso ante el desafío.

un tanto temeroso

— A bit fearful or somewhat apprehensive.

Se mostró un tanto temeroso al principio.

temeroso de sí mismo

— Fearful of one's own actions or potential.

A veces estoy temeroso de mí mismo.

temeroso de la verdad

— Afraid to face the reality of a situation.

No seas temeroso de la verdad.

temeroso de ofender

— Afraid of causing offense to someone.

Hablaba con cuidado, temeroso de ofender a nadie.

temeroso de lo desconocido

— Fearful of things that are unfamiliar or hidden.

El ser humano es temeroso de lo desconocido.

temeroso de perder

— Fearful of losing something valuable.

Está temeroso de perder su prestigio.

Souvent confondu avec

temeroso vs temible

Temeroso is the person feeling fear; temible is the thing causing fear.

temeroso vs temerario

Temerario means reckless or bold, which is almost the opposite of fearful.

temeroso vs miedoso

Miedoso is more informal and can imply cowardice, while temeroso is more descriptive and formal.

Expressions idiomatiques

"temeroso de su propia sombra"

— Extremely fearful or paranoid; afraid of everything.

Desde el robo, vive temeroso de su propia sombra.

informal/common

"temeroso de Dios"

— Pious, virtuous, and respectful of moral laws.

Era un hombre temeroso de Dios y de buenas costumbres.

formal/religious

"temeroso de que el cielo se le caiga encima"

— An exaggerated fear of catastrophe (like the Gauls in Asterix).

Vive siempre temeroso de que el cielo se le caiga encima.

literary/humorous

"temeroso de dar un paso en falso"

— Very cautious; afraid of making a mistake.

En su nuevo trabajo, está temeroso de dar un paso en falso.

neutral

"temeroso de abrir la caja de Pandora"

— Afraid of starting a process that will cause many problems.

El político estaba temeroso de abrir la caja de Pandora con esa investigación.

formal/literary

"temeroso de quemarse"

— Afraid of getting hurt again after a bad experience.

Después de su divorcio, está temeroso de quemarse en una nueva relación.

informal

"temeroso de levantar la voz"

— Submissive or intimidated; afraid to speak up.

Los empleados estaban temerosos de levantar la voz ante el jefe.

neutral

"temeroso de mirar atrás"

— Afraid of facing the past or the consequences of previous actions.

Sigue adelante, temeroso de mirar atrás.

literary

"temeroso de su destino"

— Apprehensive about what the future holds.

El héroe caminaba temeroso de su destino.

literary

"temeroso de la luz"

— Afraid of the truth being revealed or hiding something.

Sus negocios turbios lo hacían un hombre temeroso de la luz.

literary/metaphorical

Facile à confondre

temeroso vs temible

They both come from the root 'temer'.

Temeroso is subjective (feeling fear); temible is objective (inspiring fear).

El león temible asustó al explorador temeroso.

temeroso vs temerario

They look very similar.

Temerario means taking risks without fear (reckless); temeroso means being full of fear.

El conductor temerario no era nada temeroso del peligro.

temeroso vs tímido

Shyness and fearfulness are often related behaviors.

Tímido refers to social anxiety; temeroso refers to fear of danger or negative outcomes.

Es un niño tímido con los extraños, pero no es temeroso de la oscuridad.

temeroso vs asustadizo

Both describe a tendency toward fear.

Asustadizo means 'easily startled' (jumpy); temeroso means 'apprehensive' or 'fearful'.

Mi caballo es muy asustadizo, se pone temeroso con cualquier ruido.

temeroso vs receloso

Both involve a negative anticipation.

Receloso implies a lack of trust; temeroso implies a presence of fear.

Está receloso de sus intenciones y temeroso de lo que pueda pasar.

Structures de phrases

Sujeto + estar + temeroso.

Yo estoy temeroso.

Sujeto + estar + temeroso + de + sustantivo.

Ella está temerosa de los gatos.

Sujeto + ser + temeroso + de + infinitivo.

Él es temeroso de viajar solo.

Sujeto + estar + temeroso + de que + subjuntivo.

Estamos temerosos de que no lleguen.

Adverbio + temeroso + de + sustantivo.

Altamente temeroso de las consecuencias.

Sujeto + mostrarse/sentirse + temeroso + ante + sustantivo.

Se mostró temeroso ante la magnitud del desastre.

Temeroso de + infinitivo, [Cláusula principal].

Temeroso de fallar, decidió no participar.

Sustantivo + temeroso + y + adjetivo.

Un silencio temeroso y denso.

Famille de mots

Noms

temor (fear)

temerosidad (fearfulness - rare)

Verbes

temer (to fear)

atemorizar (to frighten)

atemorizarse (to become frightened)

Adjectifs

temible (fear-inspiring)

temerario (reckless - opposite nuance)

atemorizado (frightened)

Apparenté

miedo

espanto

pavor

susto

alarma

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in written Spanish and formal speech; moderately common in daily conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'temeroso con' → temeroso de
In Spanish, the preposition 'de' is used to indicate the object of fear. 'Con' is a direct translation error from other contexts.
Confusing 'temeroso' with 'temerario' → Use 'temerario' for reckless and 'temeroso' for fearful.
These words look similar but have opposite meanings regarding fear. 'Temerario' is bold/reckless; 'temeroso' is afraid.
Saying 'El monstruo es temeroso' → El monstruo es temible.
'Temeroso' means the monster feels fear. 'Temible' means the monster causes fear in others.
Neglecting gender agreement → La mujer es temerosa.
Adjectives in Spanish must agree with the gender of the noun. 'Temeroso' is masculine; 'temerosa' is feminine.
Using the indicative after 'temeroso de que' → Estoy temeroso de que no venga.
Expressions of emotion or doubt like 'temeroso de que' trigger the subjunctive mood in the following clause.

Astuces

Adjective Agreement

Always match 'temeroso' to the noun. If you are talking about 'las nubes' (the clouds) and you want to personify them as fearful, use 'temerosas'.

Elevate Your Register

Replace 'miedoso' with 'temeroso' in your writing to instantly sound more sophisticated and precise.

Religious Nuance

Remember that 'temeroso de Dios' is a positive trait in many cultures, signifying wisdom and morality.

Avoid False Friends

Don't use 'temerario' when you mean 'fearful'. A 'temerario' person is someone who takes dangerous risks without thinking.

The 'De' Rule

90% of the time, 'temeroso' will be followed by 'de'. Memorize this pair to avoid common preposition mistakes.

Stress the Right Syllable

Focus on the 'RO' in te-me-RO-so. Stressing the wrong part can make the word hard for native speakers to recognize.

Atmospheric Writing

Use 'temeroso' to describe objects (like a 'silencio temeroso') to create a sense of suspense or tension in your stories.

Honesty in Business

Expressing that you are 'temeroso' of a certain business outcome shows that you are thinking critically about risks.

The Root Connection

Link 'temeroso' to 'temor' and 'temer'. If you know one, you know them all!

Subjunctive Alert

Whenever you see 'temeroso de que', get ready to use the subjunctive mood for the next verb.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'temeroso' as 'TREMOR-oso'. When you are fearful (temeroso), you might have a tremor or shake from fear.

Association visuelle

Imagine a small mouse (temeroso) looking at a giant piece of cheese that is guarded by a cat.

Word Web

temor miedo asustado receloso aprensivo valiente (antonym) temible atemorizar

Défi

Try to use 'temeroso' in three different sentences today: one about a person's character, one about a temporary feeling, and one using the phrase 'temeroso de que' with the subjunctive.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Spanish noun 'temor', which comes from the Latin 'timor' (fear, dread). The suffix '-oso' comes from the Latin '-osus', meaning 'full of' or 'prone to'.

Sens originel : Full of fear or prone to feeling dread.

Romance (Indo-European)

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to call someone 'miedoso' when you mean 'temeroso', as 'miedoso' can be insulting (calling them a coward), whereas 'temeroso' is more descriptive of a feeling.

English speakers often over-rely on 'afraid'. Learning 'temeroso' helps them match the formal register used in Spanish newspapers and literature.

The phrase 'temeroso de Dios' appears frequently in the Spanish Bible (Reina-Valera). Don Quijote often encounters 'temerosos' characters in his adventures. Modern Spanish songs often use 'temeroso' to describe the fear of losing a loved one.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Religion

temeroso de Dios
temeroso de su juicio
un alma temerosa
pecador temeroso

Economics

mercados temerosos
inversores temerosos
temeroso de la inflación
clima temeroso

Literature

personaje temeroso
mirada temerosa
paso temeroso
corazón temeroso

Personal Feelings

estoy temeroso de
me siento temeroso
temeroso por ti
un poco temeroso

Education

estudiante temeroso
temeroso del examen
temeroso de fallar
temeroso de preguntar

Amorces de conversation

"¿Alguna vez te has sentido temeroso de algo irracional?"

"¿Crees que es mejor ser temeroso o ser demasiado valiente?"

"¿De qué estás más temeroso en tu carrera profesional?"

"¿Cómo ayudas a un amigo que está temeroso de tomar una decisión?"

"¿Qué cosas te hacían sentir temeroso cuando eras niño?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe una situación reciente en la que te sentiste temeroso y cómo la superaste.

Escribe sobre un personaje de un libro que sea temeroso pero que termine siendo un héroe.

¿Qué significa para ti ser 'temeroso de Dios' en el mundo moderno?

Analiza por qué la sociedad actual parece estar tan temerosa del futuro.

Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre ser temeroso y ser precavido en tu vida diaria.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 'de miedo' or 'terrorífica'. 'Temeroso' describes the person watching the movie, not the movie itself. For example: 'Estoy temeroso después de ver esa película'.

'Temeroso de' points to the source of fear (e.g., temeroso de la muerte). 'Temeroso por' points to the person or thing you are worried about (e.g., temeroso por mi hermano).

It is used equally in both, though it always maintains a slightly more formal tone than 'miedoso' regardless of the region.

Yes, 'muy' is a common intensifier for adjectives like 'temeroso'. You can also use 'bastante', 'un poco', or 'extremadamente'.

Use the subjunctive when you use the phrase 'temeroso de que' followed by a clause with a new subject. Example: 'Estoy temeroso de que ella no venga'.

It is moderately common. You might use 'tengo miedo' more often for small things, but 'temeroso' is perfect for describing feelings about life, work, or complex situations.

The most direct opposites are 'valiente' (brave) and 'audaz' (bold). 'Temerario' is also an opposite in terms of behavior, though it can be negative (reckless).

Yes, you can describe an animal as 'temeroso' if it is acting fearful or has a fearful nature. 'El perro temeroso se escondió'.

Not always 'scared' in the sense of 'terrified'. It can also mean 'apprehensive', 'cautious', or 'respectful' (as in 'temeroso de Dios').

It is a single tap 'r'. Place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth (the alveolar ridge) and flick it quickly once.

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