Signification
An expression used to say one is feeling fear.
Contexte culturel
The 'Drobul de sare' story teaches Romanians from a young age that worrying about impossible things is silly. It's a common cultural reference when someone is being 'too' afraid. Fear of the 'evil eye' (deochi) is real. People might say 'Mi-e frică să nu-l deochi' when looking at a beautiful baby, often followed by spitting symbolically (pui-pui). Many Romanians have a cultural 'frică de curent' (fear of drafts/cold air). You will often see people afraid of open windows in buses or trains. Admitting 'Mi-e frică' is often a sign of 'omenie' (humanity/kindness). It shows you are not arrogant and you value the situation.
The 'Să Nu' Rule
Always use 'să nu' after 'mi-e frică' if you are worried about a negative event happening. It sounds more natural than just 'să'.
No 'Eu sunt'
Never say 'Eu sunt frică'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'Mi-e'.
Signification
An expression used to say one is feeling fear.
The 'Să Nu' Rule
Always use 'să nu' after 'mi-e frică' if you are worried about a negative event happening. It sounds more natural than just 'să'.
No 'Eu sunt'
Never say 'Eu sunt frică'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'Mi-e'.
Softening Fear
Add 'un pic' (a bit) to sound less dramatic: 'Mi-e un pic frică'.
The Draft
If someone asks to close a window because 'Mi-e frică de curent', just do it. It's a deeply held Romanian belief!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct Dative pronoun for 'I am afraid'.
___ e frică de întuneric.
The short form of the Dative pronoun 'mie' is 'mi-', which contracts with 'e' to form 'mi-e'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'I am afraid of dogs'?
The correct pattern is 'Mi-e frică' + 'de' + noun.
Complete the dialogue.
Andrei: Vrei să mergi cu muntele rusesc (roller coaster)? Elena: Nu, ___.
Elena is likely afraid of the roller coaster.
Match the fear to the situation.
If you are taking a big test, you say:
'Să nu pic' means 'that I might fail', which fits an exam context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Frică vs. Teamă
Banque d exercices
4 exercices___ e frică de întuneric.
The short form of the Dative pronoun 'mie' is 'mi-', which contracts with 'e' to form 'mi-e'.
How do you say 'I am afraid of dogs'?
The correct pattern is 'Mi-e frică' + 'de' + noun.
Andrei: Vrei să mergi cu muntele rusesc (roller coaster)? Elena: Nu, ___.
Elena is likely afraid of the roller coaster.
If you are taking a big test, you say:
'Să nu pic' means 'that I might fail', which fits an exam context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's grammatically possible but rare. 'Mi-e frică' is the standard. 'Am o frică' is used for a specific, deep-seated phobia.
'Frică' is more common and visceral. 'Teamă' is more formal and intellectual.
Simply add 'nu': 'Nu mi-e frică'.
It is a noun. That's why we use 'is to me' (mi-e) rather than 'I am'.
Use the past tense of 'a fi': 'Mi-a fost frică'.
Yes, especially with 'să nu'. 'Mi-e frică să nu plouă' (I'm worried it might rain).
Yes, it's perfectly normal and not considered 'unmanly' in most modern contexts.
It's a cute, diminutive way of saying you're a little bit scared. Often used with children.
Ți-e frică de mine?
There isn't a single Dative opposite. You would say 'Sunt curajos' (I am brave) or 'Nu mă tem'.
Expressions liées
Mi-e teamă
similarI am afraid / I fear
Mi-e groază
specialized formI am terrified / I dread
M-am speriat
builds onI got scared
Fricos
relatedCowardly / Scaredy-cat
A-i băga frica în oase
idiomTo scare someone to their bones
