At the A1 level, you usually learn basic ways to say you are 'scared', like 'com medo'. The word 'temeroso' is a bit more advanced, but you can understand it as a synonym for 'afraid'. It describes a feeling in your heart or mind when you think something bad might happen. For example, if you are 'temeroso' of a big dog, you are afraid of it. Remember that it changes for gender: 'temeroso' for men and 'temerosa' for women. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you read slightly more difficult books or news headlines. Just think of it as a 'fancy' way to say 'afraid'.
At the A2 level, you start to see how adjectives like 'temeroso' work with verbs like 'estar'. You might say 'Eu estou temeroso' (I am fearful). You also learn that 'temeroso' often uses the word 'de' after it, like 'temeroso de cair' (fearful of falling). This is the level where you distinguish between 'medo' (the noun 'fear') and 'temeroso' (the adjective 'fearful'). You might notice this word in simple stories or when someone is talking about being worried about their family or their job. It's a useful word to move beyond the very basic vocabulary of a beginner.
At the B1 level, 'temeroso' is a key word for expressing nuanced emotions. You should be able to use it to describe apprehension about the future or serious situations. For instance, 'O povo está temeroso com as mudanças no governo' (The people are fearful of the changes in government). At this level, you also learn the religious meaning: 'temeroso a Deus' (God-fearing). You should begin to notice that 'temeroso' is more formal than 'medroso'. You'll also encounter the 'temeroso que + subjunctive' pattern, which is a hallmark of B1 grammar. Using 'temeroso' correctly shows you can handle more complex emotional descriptions.
At the B2 level, you should use 'temeroso' with precision, distinguishing it from 'receoso' (apprehensive/cautious) and 'temível' (fearsome). You understand that 'temeroso' implies a certain level of intellectual dread or gravity. You can use it in debates or essays to describe social or economic climates: 'O clima temeroso que precede as eleições' (The fearful atmosphere that precedes elections). You are comfortable with the gender and number agreement in complex sentences and can use the word in both its literal and figurative senses. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to choose 'temeroso' specifically for its formal and serious tone.
At the C1 level, you appreciate the stylistic weight of 'temeroso'. You can use it in literary analysis or high-level professional communication. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to the concept of 'temor' in Portuguese culture and history. You might use it to describe a character's existential state or a subtle shift in public opinion. You are also aware of how its placement (before or after a noun) can change the emphasis of a sentence. At this level, 'temeroso' is not just a word for 'afraid', but a tool for creating specific atmospheric effects in your writing and speech.
At the C2 level, 'temeroso' is part of your effortless vocabulary. You can use it in its most archaic or poetic forms, and you understand every subtle nuance it carries in various dialects of Portuguese (European vs. Brazilian). you can use it to explain complex philosophical concepts, such as the 'temor' described by existentialist philosophers, or to critique the tone of a piece of legislation. You can play with the word in wordplay or use it to evoke a very specific historical register. For you, 'temeroso' is one of many precisely calibrated instruments in your linguistic toolkit for expressing the full range of human apprehension and respect.

temeroso 30秒で

  • Temeroso means fearful or apprehensive about a situation or the future.
  • It is more formal than 'com medo' and implies a deeper sense of dread.
  • It can also mean 'God-fearing' or 'reverent' in religious contexts.
  • It must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.

The Portuguese word temeroso is a rich, evocative adjective primarily translated into English as fearful, apprehensive, or timid. At its core, it describes a state of being filled with temor (dread or fear). Unlike the basic word medroso, which often implies a character flaw or cowardice, temeroso frequently suggests a more intellectual or situational anxiety—a profound sense of apprehension regarding a specific outcome or a general disposition of reverence and awe.

Emotional Nuance
It conveys a lingering sense of worry. A person who is temeroso isn't just momentarily startled; they are living in a state of expectation that something negative might occur.

In a religious or formal context, the word takes on a secondary meaning of 'God-fearing' or 'reverent'. To be temeroso a Deus is not to be terrified of a deity in a destructive way, but to hold a deep, respectful awe that guides one's moral actions. This dual nature—fear as anxiety and fear as respect—is central to understanding how to deploy the word correctly in sophisticated Portuguese conversation.

O investidor está temeroso quanto ao futuro da bolsa de valores.

Translation: The investor is fearful/apprehensive about the future of the stock market.

Historically, temeroso has been used in Portuguese literature to describe characters facing existential dread. It is a word that belongs as much in a 19th-century novel by Eça de Queirós as it does in a modern economic report. When you use temeroso, you are signaling a higher register of speech than if you simply used com medo (with fear). It suggests that the fear is grounded in reflection or significant stakes.

Grammatical Agreement
Remember that as an adjective, it must agree in gender and number: temeroso (masc. sing.), temerosa (fem. sing.), temerosos (masc. plur.), temerosas (fem. plur.).

As crianças ficaram temerosas com o barulho do trovão.

Translation: The children became fearful with the sound of the thunder.

Furthermore, temeroso is often followed by the preposition de (of) or que (that). For example, temeroso de falhar (fearful of failing) or temeroso que a chuva estrague a festa (fearful that the rain might ruin the party). This construction mirrors the English 'fearful of' or 'afraid that', making it relatively intuitive for English speakers once the vocabulary is mastered.

Ele sempre foi um homem temeroso das leis.

In summary, temeroso is a versatile adjective that bridges the gap between everyday anxiety and deep, formal reverence. It allows the speaker to articulate a specific type of fear that is weighted with thought and anticipation. Whether discussing the economy, personal health, or spiritual devotion, temeroso provides a precise linguistic tool for expressing the complexities of human apprehension.

Using temeroso effectively requires understanding its syntactic environment. It typically functions as a predicative adjective (following a verb like estar, ficar, or parecer) or as an attributive adjective (directly modifying a noun). Because it often describes a temporary state of mind or a reaction to a specific situation, the verb estar is more common than ser, though ser is used when describing a permanent personality trait.

With 'Estar' (Temporary State)
'Estou temeroso pela sua saúde.' (I am fearful/worried for your health.) This implies a current, perhaps transient, feeling of apprehension.

When temeroso is used with de + infinitive, it indicates an apprehension about performing an action. This is a very common structure in formal writing. For example: O governo está temeroso de aumentar os impostos (The government is fearful of raising taxes). Note how the word adds a layer of political caution that a simpler word like medo might lack.

Ela olhou para o mar, temerosa da tempestade que se aproximava.

Translation: She looked at the sea, fearful of the approaching storm.

Another frequent pattern is temeroso que followed by the subjunctive mood. This is because fear expresses an emotional uncertainty or a wish that something doesn't happen, which triggers the subjunctive in Portuguese. Estou temeroso que ele não chegue a tempo (I am fearful that he might not arrive on time). Here, chegue is the present subjunctive of chegar.

The 'God-Fearing' Exception
When used as 'temeroso a Deus', it usually follows the verb 'ser'. 'Ele é um homem temeroso a Deus.' This describes a constant state of being, a character trait.

In plural forms, the word follows standard Portuguese rules. Os cidadãos, temerosos com a inflação, reduziram o consumo (The citizens, fearful of inflation, reduced consumption). In this sentence, temerosos acts as an appositive adjective, providing additional information about the subjects' state of mind as they performed the action.

Eles caminhavam em silêncio, temerosos de serem descobertos.

Translation: They walked in silence, fearful of being discovered.

Finally, consider the position of the adjective. Placing temeroso before the noun can sometimes add a poetic or emphatic weight, though placing it after the noun is the standard, neutral position. O temeroso rapaz não disse nada (The fearful boy said nothing) emphasizes the boy's state of fear more than O rapaz temeroso.... Using it correctly in these various patterns will significantly elevate your Portuguese proficiency.

You will encounter temeroso in several specific domains of Portuguese life and media. While it is not the most common word in a casual street conversation (where com medo or receoso might be preferred), it is ubiquitous in formal and intellectual contexts. Understanding these contexts helps you recognize the 'vibe' the speaker or writer is trying to convey.

News and Journalism
Journalists love this word. You will see it in headlines regarding the economy, climate change, or international conflicts. 'Mercados temerosos com a nova variante' (Markets fearful of the new variant) is a classic headline structure.

In the realm of literature, temeroso is a staple for describing internal states. Brazilian authors like Machado de Assis or Clarice Lispector use it to delve into the psychological depth of their characters. It suggests a fear that is not just a reaction to a monster, but a reaction to the complexities of life itself. When reading classic Portuguese or Brazilian novels, look for this word as a marker of a character's vulnerability or caution.

'O povo, temeroso das represálias, manteve-se em casa.'

Translation: The people, fearful of reprisals, stayed at home (common in historical accounts).

Religious settings are another primary location for this word. In sermons, prayers, and biblical translations, temeroso is used to describe the ideal relationship between a believer and the divine. In Brazil, which has a significant religious population, you might even hear people describe a 'good person' as um homem temeroso, implying he is moral because he respects divine law.

Formal Speeches and Legal Contexts
Politicians and lawyers use 'temeroso' to express grave concern without sounding overly emotional. It sounds more objective and serious than saying they are 'scared'.

Lastly, you might hear it in cinematic dubbing or high-quality TV dramas. When a character is facing a daunting task or a dangerous enemy, the dialogue might use temeroso to elevate the drama. It’s a word that carries weight, suggesting that the stakes are high and the danger is real. By paying attention to these specific environments, you'll start to feel the 'weight' of the word and know exactly when to reach for it in your own speech.

'Não sejas temeroso, meu filho; a coragem é a alma da vitória.'

While temeroso is a useful word, it is easy for learners to confuse it with other words derived from the same root, temor. The most frequent error is confusing temeroso with temido or temível. These words have very different meanings and using them interchangeably can lead to significant confusion.

Temeroso vs. Temido
Temeroso is the person who feels the fear (the subject). Temido is the person or thing that is feared by others (the object). If you say 'Eu sou um homem temido', you are saying people are afraid of you. If you say 'Eu sou um homem temeroso', you are saying you are a fearful person.

Another common pitfall is the confusion with temível. While temido means 'feared' (usually by a specific group), temível means 'fear-inspiring' or 'formidable'. A storm is temível because it has the potential to cause fear, whereas a person who is currently feeling that fear is temeroso. Mixing these up can change a sentence from 'The fearful soldier' to 'The fearsome soldier'.

Errado: O furacão é muito temeroso. (Wrong: The hurricane is very fearful.)

Correto: O furacão é muito temível. (Correct: The hurricane is very fearsome.)

Learners also sometimes forget the prepositional requirements. As mentioned before, temeroso often requires de. Saying 'Estou temeroso o futuro' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'Estou temeroso do (de + o) futuro'. Neglecting the preposition makes the sentence sound 'broken' to a native speaker's ear.

Overuse in Casual Speech
Using 'temeroso' when you just want to say you're scared of a spider or a movie can sound a bit 'extra' or overly dramatic. In those cases, 'com medo' is much more natural.

Finally, watch out for the spelling. It is temeroso with an 'o' in the middle, not temiroso or temuroso. Because it comes from temor, keeping that root in mind will help you spell it correctly every time. Avoiding these common errors will make your use of the word much more precise and impressive.

Não confunda: temeroso (afraid) com teimoso (stubborn)!

Portuguese has a wide array of words to describe fear, each with its own specific shade of meaning. Knowing when to use temeroso instead of its synonyms will make your Portuguese sound much more nuanced and sophisticated. Let's compare temeroso with its closest relatives.

Temeroso vs. Receoso
Receoso is perhaps the closest synonym. It means 'apprehensive' or 'suspicious' that something might go wrong. However, receoso is slightly softer than temeroso. While temeroso implies a stronger sense of dread (temor), receoso implies a cautious worry (receio).

Then there is the word medroso. As discussed, medroso is the most common word for 'scared' or 'cowardly'. It is often used to describe children or people who are easily frightened. You wouldn't usually use medroso to describe a serious political concern; you would use temeroso. Medroso is about the personality trait of being a 'scaredy-cat'.

Comparação: 'Ele é receoso com estranhos' (cautious) vs. 'Ele é temeroso do juízo final' (dreadful/reverent).

For a much stronger emotion, you might use apavorado (terrified) or aterrorizado (terrorized). These words imply a loss of control due to extreme fear. Temeroso is more controlled and reflective. You can be temeroso and still function perfectly; if you are apavorado, you are likely screaming or running away.

Apreensivo
Apreensivo is another excellent alternative, specifically for when you are waiting for news. 'Estou apreensivo com o resultado do exame.' It fits perfectly in medical or academic contexts.

In literary or archaic contexts, you might find trepidante, which suggests a trembling fear. However, this is quite rare in modern speech. By choosing between receoso, temeroso, medroso, and apreensivo, you can tailor your message to the exact level of intensity and formality required by the situation. This mastery of synonyms is what separates a B1 learner from a C1/C2 speaker.

Escolha a palavra certa: 'O mercado está temeroso', mas 'A criança está assustada'.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word 'temerity' in English comes from the same Latin root 'temere', but it means the opposite (boldness/recklessness) because it kept the 'acting blindly' meaning, while 'temeroso' shifted toward the fear of the consequences of such actions.

発音ガイド

UK /te.me.ˈɾo.zu/
US /te.me.ˈɾo.zu/
The stress is on the penultimate syllable: te-me-RO-so.
韻が合う語
amoroso bondoso curioso doloroso famoso gostoso horroroso perigoso
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 's' as an 's' sound (like 'snake') instead of a 'z' sound.
  • Stressing the first syllable.
  • Forgetting to change the ending to 'a' for feminine subjects.
  • Making the 'e' sound too much like 'ee'.
  • Nasalizing the 'o' incorrectly.

難易度

読解 3/5

Common in literature and news, easy to recognize if you know 'temor'.

ライティング 4/5

Requires correct preposition (de) and subjunctive mood (que).

スピーキング 3/5

Natural in formal settings; requires correct gender/number agreement.

リスニング 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to pick up in context.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

medo estar ser que de

次に学ぶ

receoso apreensivo temível subjuntivo angústia

上級

pusilânime trepidante reverencial pávido

知っておくべき文法

Adjective Agreement

A casa (f) está temerosa (f); Os prédios (m) estão temerosos (m).

Subjunctive after Emotions

Temo que ele *venha* (subjunctive).

Prepositional Complements

Temeroso *de* algo.

Ser vs. Estar with Adjectives

Ele *é* temeroso (trait); Ele *está* temeroso (state).

Placement of Adjectives

O temeroso rapaz (poetic) vs. O rapaz temeroso (neutral).

レベル別の例文

1

O menino está temeroso.

The boy is fearful.

Subject + verb 'estar' + masculine singular adjective.

2

Ela é uma menina temerosa.

She is a fearful girl.

Adjective 'temerosa' agrees with the feminine noun 'menina'.

3

Eles estão temerosos do escuro.

They are fearful of the dark.

Plural agreement: 'temerosos' for a group.

4

Você está temeroso?

Are you fearful?

Simple question structure.

5

Não fique temeroso.

Don't be fearful.

Imperative negative + adjective.

6

O gato é temeroso.

The cat is fearful.

Using 'ser' to describe a personality trait.

7

As alunas estão temerosas.

The (female) students are fearful.

Feminine plural agreement.

8

Eu não sou temeroso.

I am not fearful.

Negative sentence with 'ser'.

1

Estou temeroso de perder o ônibus.

I am fearful of missing the bus.

'Temeroso de' + infinitive verb.

2

Ela ficou temerosa com a notícia.

She became fearful with the news.

The verb 'ficar' indicates a change of state.

3

Nós estamos temerosos pelo seu futuro.

We are fearful for your future.

Preposition 'por' (pelo = por + o) used for the cause of fear.

4

O cão parece temeroso hoje.

The dog seems fearful today.

Using 'parecer' (to seem) with an adjective.

5

Muitas pessoas estão temerosas da chuva.

Many people are fearful of the rain.

Plural feminine agreement with 'pessoas'.

6

Ele sempre foi um homem temeroso.

He was always a fearful man.

Preterite perfect of 'ser' for a past state.

7

Vocês estão temerosos do exame?

Are you (plural) fearful of the exam?

Plural masculine/mixed question.

8

Ela não está temerosa de falar.

She is not fearful of speaking.

Negative construction with 'de' + infinitive.

1

O investidor está temeroso que o mercado caia.

The investor is fearful that the market might fall.

'Temeroso que' triggers the subjunctive 'caia'.

2

Ele é um cidadão temeroso das leis.

He is a citizen who respects/fears the laws.

Implies respect and adherence to rules.

3

Estamos temerosos de que não haja comida suficiente.

We are fearful that there might not be enough food.

Subjunctive 'haja' used after 'temerosos de que'.

4

A população ficou temerosa após o terremoto.

The population became fearful after the earthquake.

Collective noun 'população' takes a feminine singular adjective.

5

Ela sentia-se temerosa diante do desafio.

She felt fearful in the face of the challenge.

Reflexive verb 'sentir-se' used with the adjective.

6

O governo está temeroso da reação do público.

The government is fearful of the public's reaction.

Formal context usage.

7

Não sejais temerosos, pois a verdade vencerá.

Do not be fearful, for the truth will win.

Imperative 'sejais' (vós form) used in formal/biblical style.

8

Eles caminhavam temerosos pela floresta densa.

They walked fearfully through the dense forest.

Adjective used as an adverbial modifier.

1

O cenário econômico atual deixa os empresários temerosos.

The current economic scenario leaves entrepreneurs fearful.

Verb 'deixar' + object + adjective.

2

Ela é temerosa de compromissos a longo prazo.

She is fearful of long-term commitments.

Describing a psychological disposition.

3

O exército, temeroso de uma emboscada, avançou devagar.

The army, fearful of an ambush, advanced slowly.

Appositive use of the adjective.

4

A criança, temerosa, agarrou-se à mão da mãe.

The fearful child clung to the mother's hand.

Adjective used to explain the reason for an action.

5

Sinto-me temeroso de que as negociações fracassem.

I feel fearful that the negotiations might fail.

Subjunctive 'fracassem' after 'temeroso de que'.

6

Ele sempre foi temeroso a Deus e aos seus mandamentos.

He was always God-fearing and respectful of his commandments.

Fixed expression 'temeroso a Deus'.

7

As aves, temerosas do predador, voaram rapidamente.

The birds, fearful of the predator, flew away quickly.

Feminine plural agreement with 'aves'.

8

O silêncio da noite tornava-o ainda mais temeroso.

The silence of the night made him even more fearful.

Verb 'tornar' + object + adjective.

1

A sua escrita revela um espírito temeroso das críticas alheias.

His writing reveals a spirit fearful of others' criticisms.

Abstract usage of the adjective.

2

O diplomata, temeroso de um incidente internacional, mediu cada palavra.

The diplomat, fearful of an international incident, weighed every word.

Sophisticated narrative structure.

3

Havia algo de temeroso na forma como ele evitava o assunto.

There was something fearful in the way he avoided the subject.

'Algo de' + adjective (masculine singular).

4

A velhice torna muitos homens temerosos da solidão.

Old age makes many men fearful of solitude.

General philosophical statement.

5

Temeroso que a história se repetisse, o filósofo alertou a nação.

Fearful that history might repeat itself, the philosopher warned the nation.

Subjunctive 'repetisse' (imperfect).

6

A sua postura temerosa impedia-o de assumir riscos necessários.

His fearful posture prevented him from taking necessary risks.

Adjective modifying 'postura'.

7

Eram tempos temerosos, onde ninguém confiava em ninguém.

They were fearful times, where no one trusted anyone.

Adjective describing an era or period.

8

O autor descreve a personagem como alguém temeroso da própria sombra.

The author describes the character as someone fearful of their own shadow.

Idiomatic usage within a sentence.

1

A ontologia do ser, para Heidegger, é permeada por um estado temeroso.

The ontology of being, for Heidegger, is permeated by a fearful state.

Academic/Philosophical context.

2

O monarca, embora poderoso, era secretamente temeroso da sua própria linhagem.

The monarch, though powerful, was secretly fearful of his own lineage.

Contrast between power and internal fear.

3

Sob o manto da coragem, escondia-se um coração profundamente temeroso.

Under the cloak of courage, a deeply fearful heart was hidden.

Literary metaphor.

4

A sociedade contemporânea mostra-se temerosa perante a obsolescência humana.

Contemporary society shows itself fearful before human obsolescence.

Reflexive 'mostrar-se' with adjective.

5

Não se trata de um medo irracional, mas de um juízo temeroso da realidade.

It is not an irrational fear, but a fearful judgment of reality.

Precise distinction between types of fear.

6

A cadência da música tornou-se temerosa, antecipando a tragédia final.

The cadence of the music became fearful, anticipating the final tragedy.

Describing an abstract quality of art.

7

O silêncio do réu era mais temeroso do que qualquer confissão.

The defendant's silence was more fearful than any confession.

Comparative structure.

8

Vivemos sob o signo de um futuro temeroso, mas não inevitável.

We live under the sign of a fearful future, but not an inevitable one.

Rhetorical/Literary style.

よく使う組み合わせ

temeroso de
temeroso que
temeroso a Deus
olhar temeroso
mercado temeroso
clima temeroso
ficar temeroso
sentir-se temeroso
espírito temeroso
silêncio temeroso

よく使うフレーズ

Temeroso do futuro

— Being worried about what will happen later.

Muitos jovens estão temerosos do futuro do planeta.

Temeroso das consequências

— Afraid of what will happen as a result of an action.

Ele não mentiu, temeroso das consequências.

Temeroso de represálias

— Afraid that someone will take revenge or punish you.

A testemunha está temerosa de represálias.

Temeroso pela vida

— Fearing for one's own safety or existence.

O náufrago estava temeroso pela sua vida.

Temeroso de errar

— Afraid of making a mistake.

Ele é tão perfeccionista que vive temeroso de errar.

Temeroso da opinião alheia

— Afraid of what other people think.

Não seja tão temeroso da opinião alheia.

Temeroso de ser descoberto

— Afraid of being caught doing something.

O ladrão fugiu, temeroso de ser descoberto.

Temeroso da morte

— Afraid of dying.

É natural ser um pouco temeroso da morte.

Temeroso do escuro

— Afraid of the dark (often used for children).

A criança ainda é temerosa do escuro.

Temeroso de perder

— Afraid of losing something or someone.

Ele estava temeroso de perder o seu emprego.

よく混同される語

temeroso vs temido

Temido means 'feared' (by others), while temeroso means 'fearful' (feeling the fear).

temeroso vs temível

Temível means 'fearsome' or 'scary', while temeroso is the person who is scared.

temeroso vs teimoso

Teimoso means 'stubborn'. It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

慣用句と表現

"Temeroso da própria sombra"

— Extremely fearful or paranoid; afraid of everything.

Depois do assalto, ele ficou temeroso da própria sombra.

informal
"Coração temeroso"

— A person who is naturally anxious or lacks courage.

Um coração temeroso não conquista a vitória.

poetic
"Passo temeroso"

— Walking in a hesitant or scared way.

Ele deu um passo temeroso em direção à caverna.

descriptive
"Olhar temeroso"

— A facial expression that conveys fear.

O seu olhar temeroso denunciava a mentira.

neutral
"Voz temerosa"

— A shaky or quiet voice caused by fear.

Respondeu com uma voz temerosa.

neutral
"Silêncio temeroso"

— A tense silence caused by fear or anticipation.

Um silêncio temeroso caiu sobre a multidão.

literary
"Mão temerosa"

— Acting with hesitation or lack of confidence.

Escreveu a carta com mão temerosa.

literary
"Alma temerosa"

— A person who is deeply spiritual or deeply anxious.

Ela é uma alma temerosa, sempre preocupada com os outros.

poetic
"Pensamento temeroso"

— A worrying thought.

Afastou o pensamento temeroso da sua mente.

neutral
"Temeroso como um coelho"

— Very easily frightened (simile).

Ele é temeroso como um coelho.

informal

間違えやすい

temeroso vs temido

Both come from the root 'temor'.

Temido is the object of fear; temeroso is the subject feeling fear.

O ditador era temido, mas o povo era temeroso.

temeroso vs temível

Both are adjectives related to fear.

Temível describes something that causes fear; temeroso describes someone feeling it.

O leão temível deixou o caçador temeroso.

temeroso vs tremendo

Sounds like 'temeroso' and relates to the physical act of trembling.

Tremendo usually means 'huge' or 'tremendous' in modern Portuguese, though it can mean 'trembling'.

Houve um erro tremendo.

temeroso vs tímido

Both describe a lack of confidence.

Tímido is shy; temeroso is specifically filled with fear or apprehension.

Ele é tímido em festas, mas temeroso de tempestades.

temeroso vs terroso

Very similar spelling.

Terroso means 'earthy' or 'made of earth'.

O chão tinha um tom terroso.

文型パターン

A2

[Subject] + estar + temeroso + de + [Noun]

Eu estou temeroso de cães.

B1

[Subject] + ficar + temeroso + com + [Noun]

Ela ficou temerosa com o barulho.

B1

[Subject] + estar + temeroso + que + [Subjunctive]

Eles estão temerosos que o voo atrase.

B2

[Noun Phrase], temeroso(s) de + [Noun], + [Verb]

O povo, temeroso da guerra, fugiu.

B2

Ser + temeroso + a + [Noun]

Ele é temeroso a Deus.

C1

Haver + algo de + temeroso + em + [Noun]

Havia algo de temeroso no seu olhar.

C1

Tornar + [Object] + temeroso

A notícia tornou-o temeroso.

C2

Sob o signo de um [Noun] temeroso

Vivemos sob o signo de um futuro temeroso.

語族

名詞

temor (fear/dread)
temerosidade (the quality of being fearful - rare)

動詞

temer (to fear)

形容詞

temeroso (fearful)
temível (fearsome)
temido (feared)
destemido (fearless)

関連

medo
receio
pavor
terror
apreensão

使い方

frequency

Common in written Portuguese (news/books), moderate in spoken Portuguese.

よくある間違い
  • O furacão é temeroso. O furacão é temível.

    You used 'temeroso' (feeling fear) for an object that causes fear. Use 'temível' instead.

  • Estou temeroso que ele vai chegar tarde. Estou temeroso que ele venha a chegar tarde.

    You used the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive mood after 'temeroso que'.

  • Ele é um homem temido a Deus. Ele é um homem temeroso a Deus.

    You used 'temido' (feared) instead of 'temeroso' (reverent/fearful).

  • Eu estou temeroso o futuro. Eu estou temeroso do futuro.

    You forgot the preposition 'de' (de + o = do).

  • As crianças estão temerosos. As crianças estão temerosas.

    The adjective must agree with the feminine plural noun 'crianças'.

ヒント

Subjunctive Alert

Whenever you use 'temeroso que', remember that the following verb must be in the subjunctive mood because you are expressing an emotion/uncertainty.

Formal vs. Informal

Switch from 'com medo' to 'temeroso' when writing professional emails or formal essays to instantly sound more proficient.

Respectful Awe

In a religious context, 'temeroso' doesn't mean you are terrified; it means you have deep respect and reverence.

The 'Z' Sound

Don't hiss the 's'. Make it vibrate like a 'z'. This is a common marker of a good Portuguese accent.

Adjective Position

Putting 'temeroso' before the noun (e.g., 'o temeroso soldado') makes it sound more poetic and literary.

Economic News

If you read Portuguese news, you will see 'temeroso' almost every day in the finance section. It's the standard word for market anxiety.

Root Word

Link it to 'temor'. If you know 'temor' is 'dread', then 'temeroso' is just the person who has that dread.

Gender Check

Always check the noun. 'A multidão' (the crowd) is feminine, so it must be 'a multidão temerosa'.

Milder Option

If 'temeroso' feels too strong, try 'receoso'. It’s like the difference between 'fearful' and 'apprehensive'.

Final Vowel

In fast speech, the final 'o' might almost disappear or sound like a very short 'u'. Don't expect a clear, long 'o'.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'TEMor' as 'TIMor' (the island East Timor). Imagine someone being 'TEMeroso' (fearful) of traveling to a distant land.

視覚的連想

Imagine a person standing in front of a giant, dark 'T' (for Temor) looking very small and 'temeroso'.

Word Web

temor medo receio temer temeroso temerosa temerosos temeramente

チャレンジ

Try to use 'temeroso' in a sentence about the weather, a sentence about an exam, and a sentence about a mystery movie.

語源

Derived from the Latin 'temerosus', which comes from 'temere' (blindly, by chance) and is linked to 'temor' (fear).

元の意味: Originally implied acting blindly or without care, but evolved in Romance languages to mean 'fearful' or 'filled with dread'.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Portuguese.

文化的な背景

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that calling someone 'temeroso' can imply they are weak if used in an informal, mocking tone.

The English word 'fearful' is a direct equivalent, but 'apprehensive' often captures the B1/B2 usage of 'temeroso' in modern contexts.

Biblical translations: 'O princípio da sabedoria é o temor ao Senhor' (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom). Fernando Pessoa's poetry often explores the 'temeroso' nature of existence. Economic reports in 'Folha de S.Paulo' frequently use 'mercado temeroso'.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Economy/Finance

  • Mercado temeroso
  • Investidores temerosos
  • Temeroso da inflação
  • Cenário temeroso

Religion

  • Temeroso a Deus
  • Coração temeroso
  • Temor ao Senhor
  • Alma temerosa

Personal Feelings

  • Estou temeroso
  • Temeroso de falhar
  • Sinto-me temeroso
  • Não fique temeroso

News/Politics

  • População temerosa
  • Governo temeroso
  • Temeroso de represálias
  • Futuro temeroso

Literature

  • Olhar temeroso
  • Passo temeroso
  • Voz temerosa
  • Espírito temeroso

会話のきっかけ

"Você está temeroso com o resultado das próximas eleições?"

"Você já se sentiu temeroso de mudar de carreira?"

"O que te deixa mais temeroso no mundo de hoje?"

"Você acha que os investidores estão temerosos com a economia?"

"Você é uma pessoa temerosa de riscos ou gosta de se aventurar?"

日記のテーマ

Descreva um momento em que você se sentiu extremamente temeroso de algo.

Quais são os três maiores motivos que deixam a sociedade temerosa atualmente?

Escreva sobre a diferença entre ser 'medroso' e ser 'temeroso' na sua opinião.

Como você lida com um pensamento temeroso quando ele surge na sua mente?

Reflita sobre a expressão 'temeroso a Deus'. O que ela significa para você?

よくある質問

10 問

Not exactly. While both mean 'afraid', 'medroso' is more informal and often implies a personality trait of being easily scared or cowardly. 'Temeroso' is more formal and usually refers to a serious apprehension about a specific situation or a respectful awe.

You could, but it would sound very dramatic. It's better to say 'Estou com medo do filme' or 'O filme me deu medo'. Use 'temeroso' for things like the economy, the future, or God.

Often, yes, when you are specifying what you are afraid of. For example: 'temeroso de falhar'. However, it can stand alone as a description: 'Ele é um homem temeroso'.

The most common and accurate way is 'temeroso a Deus'. This uses the preposition 'a' instead of 'de'.

The feminine plural is 'temerosas'. For example: 'As mulheres estavam temerosas'.

Yes, it is common in Brazilian news, literature, and religious contexts, though 'com medo' is more frequent in daily conversation.

Use 'estar' for a temporary feeling ('Estou temeroso hoje') and 'ser' for a permanent trait ('Ele é um homem temeroso').

Usually, it describes people or living beings. However, it can describe abstract things like 'um futuro temeroso' (a fearful future) or 'um clima temeroso' (a fearful atmosphere).

'Receoso' is slightly milder and often means 'cautious' or 'suspicious'. 'Temeroso' implies a stronger feeling of dread or 'temor'.

Because it is between two vowels (o and o), the 's' is pronounced like a 'z' in 'zebra'.

自分をテスト 200 問

writing

Write a sentence in Portuguese using 'temeroso' to describe a student before an exam.

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'She is fearful of the future.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'temerosos' (plural).

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writing

Translate: 'I am fearful that it might rain.' (Use subjunctive)

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writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about why someone might be 'temeroso'.

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writing

Use 'temeroso a Deus' in a sentence.

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writing

Describe a 'temeroso' character in a story.

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writing

Translate: 'The fearful people stayed at home.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'temerosa' to describe a reaction to a noise.

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writing

Translate: 'Do not be fearful of challenges.'

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writing

Explain the difference between 'temeroso' and 'temido' in Portuguese.

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writing

Write a formal sentence about economic anxiety using 'temeroso'.

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writing

Translate: 'The fearful silence was broken by a scream.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'temeroso de falhar'.

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writing

Translate: 'He looked at her with a fearful gaze.'

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writing

Write a sentence with 'temerosos' and the verb 'parecer'.

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writing

Translate: 'The children were fearful of the dark forest.'

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writing

Use 'temerosamente' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about someone being 'temeroso' of a specific person.

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writing

Translate: 'We are all a little fearful of the unknown.'

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speaking

Pronounce 'temeroso' out loud.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I am fearful' in Portuguese (masculine).

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speaking

Say 'She is fearful' in Portuguese.

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speaking

Say 'They are fearful' in Portuguese (mixed group).

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speaking

Say 'I am fearful of the dog.'

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speaking

Say 'Don't be fearful.'

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speaking

Use 'temeroso' in a sentence about the economy.

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speaking

Say 'I am fearful that he will arrive late.'

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speaking

Pronounce 'temerosa' focusing on the 'z' sound.

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speaking

Say 'He is a God-fearing man.'

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speaking

Describe a fearful child in one sentence.

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speaking

Say 'The investors are fearful.'

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speaking

Say 'We are fearful of the storm.'

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speaking

Pronounce 'temerosamente'.

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speaking

Say 'It is a fearful time.'

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speaking

Say 'She looked fearful.'

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speaking

Say 'I feel fearful.'

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speaking

Say 'They were fearful of reprisals.'

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speaking

Say 'The boy is fearful of his father.'

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speaking

Say 'A fearful look.'

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listening

Listen to the word: 'temeroso'. How many syllables does it have?

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listening

Is the 's' in 'temeroso' voiced (z) or unvoiced (s)?

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listening

Which syllable is stressed in 'temerosa'?

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listening

Listen to: 'O investidor está temeroso.' Is the investor happy?

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listening

Listen to: 'As meninas estão temerosas.' Who is fearful?

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listening

In the phrase 'homem temeroso', is the adjective before or after the noun?

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listening

Does the speaker say 'temeroso' or 'temível'?

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listening

Listen for the preposition: 'temeroso ______ falhar'. What was it?

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listening

Does 'temerosa' end with an 'a' or an 'o' sound?

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listening

Is the sentence 'Ele é temeroso' about a state or a trait?

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listening

Listen: 'Estou temeroso que chova.' Is it raining yet?

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listening

How many 'e' sounds are in 'temeroso'?

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listening

Listen: 'Um olhar temeroso'. What is being described?

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listening

Does 'temerosos' sound like it ends in 'us' or 'os'?

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listening

Is 'temeroso' a long or short word?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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