Signification
Feeling fear.
Contexte culturel
The 'descântec de frică' is a traditional ritual where a healer recites verses to drive away fear from a child's soul, often using 'apa neîncepută' (untouched water). The concept of 'Frica de Dumnezeu' (Fear of God) is central to Romanian spirituality, signifying deep respect and awe rather than terror. Modern Romanians often use 'frică' in the context of 'gura lumii' (the mouth of the world), reflecting a cultural emphasis on social reputation. Traditionally, parents might use 'Bau-bau' (the bogeyman) to instill a 'healthy' fear in children to make them behave, though this is changing in modern parenting.
The 'De' Rule
Always use 'de' after 'frică' if you name the object. 'Mi-e frică DE tine.'
No 'Eu sunt'
Never say 'Eu sunt frică'. It's the most common beginner mistake. Stick to 'Mi-e'.
Signification
Feeling fear.
The 'De' Rule
Always use 'de' after 'frică' if you name the object. 'Mi-e frică DE tine.'
No 'Eu sunt'
Never say 'Eu sunt frică'. It's the most common beginner mistake. Stick to 'Mi-e'.
Softening Fear
Add 'un pic' or 'puțin' to sound less dramatic: 'Mi-e puțin frică.'
Polite Fear
In formal emails, use 'Mă tem că...' instead of 'Mi-e frică că...' to say 'I'm afraid that...'
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct dative pronoun contraction (Mi-e, Ți-e, I-e, Ne-e, Vă-e, Le-e).
______ frică de întuneric. (I am afraid...)
'Mi-e' is the contraction for 'Mie îmi este', used for the first person singular.
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
Lui Ion îi este frică ______ înălțime.
The idiom 'a-i fi frică' always takes the preposition 'de' to indicate the object of fear.
Complete the dialogue with the correct past tense form.
— De ce ai plâns la film? — Pentru că ______ frică.
The question is in the past tense (ai plâns), so the answer should use the compound past 'mi-a fost'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a formal speech about climate change?
'Teamă' is the formal synonym for 'frică', appropriate for speeches.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Frică vs. Teamă
Banque d exercices
4 exercices______ frică de întuneric. (I am afraid...)
'Mi-e' is the contraction for 'Mie îmi este', used for the first person singular.
Lui Ion îi este frică ______ înălțime.
The idiom 'a-i fi frică' always takes the preposition 'de' to indicate the object of fear.
— De ce ai plâns la film? — Pentru că ______ frică.
The question is in the past tense (ai plâns), so the answer should use the compound past 'mi-a fost'.
Which phrase fits a formal speech about climate change?
'Teamă' is the formal synonym for 'frică', appropriate for speeches.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt's grammatically possible but sounds very non-native. 'Mi-e frică' is the standard.
'Frică' is common and visceral; 'teamă' is formal and intellectual.
Use 'Mi-e frică de înălțime'.
It is feminine: 'o frică', 'două frici'.
Use the past tense: 'Mi-a fost frică'.
No, use 'Mă tem că nu pot veni' or 'Din păcate, nu pot veni'.
It means 'I'm afraid that [something bad] might happen'.
Yes, 'a avea morcovul' (to have the carrot) is a funny way to say you're scared.
Simply say 'Ți-e frică?' with rising intonation.
It's the adjective for a person who is easily scared (a coward/scaredy-cat).
It's better to say 'Mi-e frică să vorbesc'.
Usually, yes, in this idiom. But it can stand alone as a noun: 'Frica este umană.'
Expressions liées
A-i fi teamă
synonymTo be afraid (more formal)
A se teme
similarTo fear
A-i fi groază
specialized formTo be terrified/horrified
A băga frica în cineva
builds onTo scare someone
Fără frică
contrastFearless
