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φοβάμαι

A1 verb 10 min read

φοβάμαι

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips φοβάμαι in 30 Seconds

Explanation φοβάμαι in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should focus on the present tense of 'φοβάμαι' to express basic, concrete fears. You will learn to say you are afraid of animals (dogs, spiders), the dark, or certain situations. The goal is to understand that this verb has a 'passive' look but an 'active' meaning. You will use it in simple Subject-Verb-Object sentences like 'Φοβάμαι τον σκύλο' (I fear the dog). You will also learn the essential phrase 'Μη φοβάσαι' (Don't be afraid) to offer comfort. At this stage, don't worry about complex sub-clauses; just focus on the basic conjugation: φοβάμαι, φοβάσαι, φοβάται, φοβόμαστε, φοβάστε, φοβούνται. You should also recognize the noun 'φόβος' (fear). Exercises at this level will focus on matching the verb to the correct pronoun and identifying common objects of fear. You will practice simple questions like 'Τι φοβάσαι;' (What are you afraid of?) and learn to answer them clearly. It's also a good time to learn the adjective 'φοβητσιάρης' for someone who is easily scared, as it's a very common and fun word to use in basic conversations.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'φοβάμαι' into the past and future. You will learn the Aorist form 'φοβήθηκα' (I was afraid) and the future 'θα φοβηθώ' (I will be afraid). You'll start to use the verb with simple infinitival constructions using 'να', such as 'Φοβάμαι να κολυμπήσω' (I am afraid to swim). This level introduces more abstract fears, like the fear of making mistakes or the fear of being alone. You will also begin to see the verb used in 'if' clauses, like 'Αν φοβάσαι, μη το κάνεις' (If you are afraid, don't do it). You should become comfortable with the different stress patterns in the plural forms. Exercises will involve transforming sentences from present to past and future, and filling in the correct form of the verb in short dialogues. You'll also learn to distinguish between 'φοβάμαι' and 'τρομάζω' (to get a fright), understanding that the latter is more about a sudden moment of shock. Cultural contexts like bedtime stories or talking about childhood fears are common at this stage.

By B1, you are expected to use 'φοβάμαι' with more complex grammatical structures, specifically the 'μήπως' clause to express possibilities. For example, 'Φοβάμαι μήπως χάσω το λεωφορείο' (I'm afraid I might miss the bus). You will also use the verb to express polite hesitation in social or professional settings: 'Φοβάμαι ότι δεν μπορώ να έρθω' (I'm afraid I cannot come). At this level, you should be familiar with the Imperfect tense 'φοβόμουν' to describe ongoing fears in the past. You will also encounter the verb in more varied media, such as news articles discussing social fears or song lyrics. You'll start learning common idioms and expressions, like 'φοβάται και τη σκιά του' (he's afraid of his own shadow). Exercises will focus on choosing between 'να', 'ότι', and 'μήπως' after the verb, and using the verb in more descriptive narratives. You'll also explore the word family further, including nouns like 'φοβία' and adjectives like 'φοβερός' (which can mean 'fearful' but more commonly means 'awesome' or 'terrible' in modern Greek).

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'φοβάμαι' and its register. You will use it to discuss complex social, economic, and political issues. For instance, 'Οι πολίτες φοβούνται τις επιπτώσεις της κλιματικής αλλαγής' (Citizens fear the effects of climate change). You will learn to use the verb in more sophisticated sentence structures, including the use of participles and more formal variants like 'φοβούμαι' (if reading older texts). You should be able to distinguish between 'φοβάμαι' and its synonyms like 'ανησυχώ' (worry), 'δειλιάζω' (hesitate), and 'φρίττω' (be horrified) with precision. Your speaking and writing should reflect the ability to use 'φοβάμαι' to soften arguments or express empathy in debates. Exercises will involve reading comprehension of opinion pieces where fear is a central theme and writing essays about personal or societal anxieties. You will also study the historical evolution of the word and its presence in Greek literature and philosophy, understanding how the concept of 'phobos' has shaped Greek thought from antiquity to today.

At the C1 level, your use of 'φοβάμαι' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of variety and context. You will explore the verb's use in high-level academic, literary, and legal Greek. You'll study how 'φοβάμαι' is used in classical texts and how those structures sometimes surface in modern formal speech. You should be able to analyze the psychological and philosophical implications of fear as discussed in Greek essays. You will learn rare idioms and archaic forms that might appear in poetry or formal oratory. Your ability to use the verb to convey subtle emotional states—such as existential dread or the 'fear of God' (φόβος Θεού)—will be refined. Exercises will include translating complex literary passages that hinge on the nuance of fear and participating in debates where you must express and counter fears using sophisticated vocabulary. You will also look at how the verb interacts with other high-level grammatical features like the optative (in ancient contexts) or complex conditional sentences in modern Greek.

At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of 'φοβάμαι' and its entire lexical field. You can navigate between the most colloquial slang and the most formal academic registers with ease. You understand the historical weight of the word 'φόβος' in Aristotle's 'Poetics' (concerning catharsis) and can discuss these concepts in Greek. You are comfortable with all archaic and dialectal variations of the verb. Your usage includes the most obscure idioms and metaphorical applications. You can write creative pieces—poetry or prose—that exploit the phonetic and emotional qualities of the word. In professional settings, you use 'φοβάμαι' with perfect pragmatic competence to manage interpersonal dynamics, negotiate, and lead. Exercises at this level are research-based or involve high-level creative production, such as writing a critique of a Greek tragedy or a complex political analysis of 'the politics of fear.' You are not just a learner; you are a sophisticated user of the language who can play with its nuances to achieve specific rhetorical effects.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

φοβάμαι in 30 Seconds

The primary Greek verb for 'to fear' or 'to be afraid.'
A deponent verb (passive form, active meaning) used in everyday conversation.
Followed by an accusative object, or clauses with 'να', 'ότι', or 'μήπως'.
The root of the English suffix '-phobia' and the word 'φόβος'.

The Greek verb φοβάμαι (pronounced fo-VA-me) is one of the most essential words for expressing emotion, specifically the feeling of fear or apprehension. In its most basic sense, it translates to 'I fear' or 'I am afraid.' However, its usage in Greek is nuanced and covers a spectrum from primal terror to polite hesitation. Unlike English, where 'to fear' can sound slightly formal or archaic, φοβάμαι is the standard, everyday term used by everyone from toddlers to professors.

Grammatical Nature: This is a deponent verb, meaning it has a passive form (ending in -μαι) but an active meaning. This is a common feature in Greek verbs expressing emotions or internal states.

You will encounter this word in almost every context of Greek life. In a literal sense, it is used for phobias. If you are walking through a village and see a large shepherd dog, you might say 'Φοβάμαι τον σκύλο' (I am afraid of the dog). Beyond literal fear, it is used to express social anxiety or concern. Greeks often use it to preface a negative realization or a polite refusal, much like the English 'I'm afraid that...'

Μην φοβάσαι, είμαι εδώ για σένα.

Don't be afraid, I am here for you.

Culturally, expressing fear is not necessarily seen as a sign of weakness in Greece; rather, it is a part of the honest, expressive nature of Greek communication. You will hear it in news reports concerning economic 'fears,' in romantic songs about the 'fear' of losing a lover, and in daily conversations about the 'fear' of being late. It is a word that connects the physical sensation of a racing heart to the intellectual concern for the future.

Etymological Link: The word is the direct ancestor of the English suffix '-phobia.' Understanding this root helps learners instantly recognize related words like 'αγοραφοβία' (agoraphobia) or 'κλειστοφοβία' (claustrophobia).

Φοβάμαι μήπως βρέξει το απόγευμα.

I'm afraid it might rain this afternoon.

In more advanced usage, φοβάμαι can take a 'μήπως' (mipos) clause, which translates to 'I fear lest' or 'I am afraid that.' This is a very common structure when expressing worries about potential future events. It shows that the speaker is not just scared of a thing, but concerned about a possibility. This versatility makes it a high-frequency verb that students should master early in their Greek studies.

Register and Tone: While 'φοβάμαι' is neutral, you can intensify it by adding adverbs like 'πολύ' (very much) or 'θανάσιμα' (mortally/to death).

Using φοβάμαι correctly involves understanding its conjugation and the specific grammatical structures it triggers. As a middle-voice verb, it follows a specific pattern of endings that might feel unfamiliar to those used to active verbs like 'κάνω' (I do) or 'βλέπω' (I see).

Direct Object Usage: When you fear a specific noun, use the Accusative. Example: Φοβάμαι τους κεραυνούς (I fear the thunderbolts).

One of the most important things to remember is the change in the stem when moving to the past tense (Aorist). The present stem is 'φοβ-', but the past stem becomes 'φοβηθ-'. Thus, 'I was afraid' is φοβήθηκα. This change is consistent across the future tense as well: θα φοβηθώ (I will be afraid).

Όταν ήμουν μικρός, φοβόμουν τα φαντάσματα.

When I was little, I used to be afraid of ghosts.

The verb is also frequently followed by a sub-clause. If you are afraid of an action, you use 'να' + the subjunctive. Example: Φοβάμαι να οδηγήσω τη νύχτα (I am afraid to drive at night). If you are afraid of a possibility, use 'μήπως'. Example: Φοβάται μήπως χάσει τη δουλειά του (He is afraid he might lose his job).

In conversational Greek, φοβάμαι often acts as a softener. If someone asks you if you can finish a project by tomorrow, saying 'Φοβάμαι πως όχι' (I'm afraid not) is much more polite than a simple 'No.' This mirrors English usage perfectly and is a great way to sound more natural and empathetic in Greek.

Negative Imperative: To tell someone 'Don't be afraid,' use 'Μη(ν) φοβάσαι' (singular) or 'Μη(ν) φοβάστε' (plural/formal). This is a very common encouraging phrase.

Δεν έχω τίποτα να φοβηθώ.

I have nothing to fear.

Finally, consider the reflexive nature of the verb. In some older or more formal contexts, you might see 'φοβίζω' (to frighten someone else), but φοβάμαι is the internal state. If you want to say 'You are scaring me,' you would use the active verb: Με φοβίζεις!. But if you want to say 'I am scared because of you,' you say Σε φοβάμαι.

The 'Fear of' Construction: Remember that the preposition 'of' in 'afraid of' is not translated. The noun simply follows the verb in the accusative case.

You will hear φοβάμαι in a wide variety of settings, ranging from intimate family moments to high-stakes political debates. It is a word that captures the Greek spirit of emotional transparency. In a Greek household, a parent might ask a child, 'Γιατί κλαις; Φοβάσαι κάτι;' (Why are you crying? Are you afraid of something?).

In Pop Culture: Greek music, especially 'laïkó' and 'entechno,' is filled with this verb. Songs about the fear of abandonment or the fear of the unknown are staples of the Greek musical landscape.

In the news and media, φοβάμαι is used to describe societal concerns. You might hear a news anchor say, 'Οι αρχές φοβούνται για την αύξηση της εγκληματικότητας' (The authorities fear an increase in crime). Here, the verb takes a more formal tone, often followed by the preposition 'για' (for/about) to indicate the subject of the concern.

Πολλοί φοβούνται το μέλλον της οικονομίας.

Many fear the future of the economy.

In literature and philosophy, the word takes on a deeper, existential weight. From the tragedies of Sophocles to the modern novels of Kazantzakis, the concept of fear—whether of the gods, of fate, or of oneself—is central. Kazantzakis famously wrote in 'Zorba the Greek' about the need to overcome fear to be truly free, using the phrase 'Δεν φοβάμαι τίποτα' (I fear nothing), which is now inscribed on his tombstone.

Professional Settings: In business meetings, use 'Φοβάμαι ότι...' to introduce a dissenting opinion or bad news politely. It signals that you are being realistic rather than aggressive.

Φοβάμαι πως το κόστος είναι πολύ υψηλό.

I'm afraid that the cost is too high.

On the streets of Athens or Thessaloniki, you might hear people arguing or discussing risks. If someone is being overly cautious, a friend might tease them by saying 'Είσαι φοβητσιάρης!' (You're a scaredy-cat!). The word family extends into these colorful adjectives that you'll hear in casual banter. Overall, φοβάμαι is a bridge between the visceral human experience and the social etiquette of daily life.

Learning φοβάμαι presents a few specific challenges for English speakers. Because it is a deponent verb, the most common mistake is trying to conjugate it like an active verb (e.g., trying to say 'φοβάω'). There is no such word! Always remember that the dictionary form ends in -μαι.

The 'Of' Trap: English speakers often want to add a preposition like 'από' (from) to mimic 'afraid of.' While 'φοβάμαι από' exists in some specific dialects, the standard Greek construction is the verb followed directly by the noun in the accusative case.

Another frequent error involves the past tense. Students often forget the 'η' (eta) that appears in the aorist stem. They might try to say 'φοβήθηκα' correctly but misspell it or mispronounce the 'th' (theta) sound. Remember: φοβήθηκα (fo-VEE-thee-ka). The 'th' is soft, like in 'think.'

Λάθος: Φοβάμαι για τα σκυλιά.
Σωστό: Φοβάμαι τα σκυλιά.

Common mistake: Adding 'για' (for) when you just mean 'fear the dogs'.

A subtle mistake occurs with the use of 'μήπως.' Learners often use 'ότι' (that) when they should use 'μήπως' (lest/might). While 'Φοβάμαι ότι...' is correct for stating a fact you are afraid is true (e.g., 'I'm afraid that I'm late'), 'Φοβάμαι μήπως...' is better for expressing a worry about a possibility (e.g., 'I'm afraid I might be late').

Stress Placement: In the first person plural, the stress is on the 'o': φοβόμαστε. Many learners mistakenly put it on the 'α', which sounds unnatural to native ears.

Λάθος: Φοβούμαι (too archaic).
Σωστό: Φοβάμαι (standard modern).

Using the Katharevousa form 'φοβούμαι' in casual conversation sounds overly stiff.

Lastly, be careful with the imperative. To say 'don't fear,' the 'μη' must be used, not 'δεν.' Greek uses 'μη' for prohibitions. Saying 'δεν φοβάσαι' means 'you are not afraid' (a statement), while 'μη φοβάσαι' means 'don't be afraid' (a command/advice). This distinction is vital for clear communication.

While φοβάμαι is the go-to word for fear, Greek offers a rich palette of synonyms to express different shades of anxiety, terror, and worry. Knowing these will help you move from a basic level to a more expressive, native-like level of proficiency.

Τρομάζω (Tromazo): This means 'to be startled' or 'to get a fright.' It is more about a sudden shock than a long-term fear. Example: 'Τρόμαξα από τον θόρυβο' (I was startled by the noise).

If you are not 'scared' but rather 'worried' or 'anxious,' the verb ανησυχώ (anisicho) is more appropriate. You might say 'ανησυχώ για την υγεία μου' (I am worried about my health). This is less about a threat and more about mental unease. Another alternative is δειλιάζω (diliazο), which means to lose one's courage or to hesitate out of fear.

Φρίττω με αυτά που ακούω.

I shudder/am horrified by what I hear.

In formal or literary Greek, you might encounter δέδοικα (the ancient form) or οκνώ (to hesitate/shrink from), though these are rare in daily speech. To describe someone as 'fearless,' you use the adjective άφοβος (afovos) or the more poetic ατρόμητος (atromitos), which means 'undaunted' or 'unshaken.'

Comparison: Φοβάμαι vs. Ανησυχώ: Φοβάμαι is visceral (fear of a spider), while ανησυχώ is cognitive (worry about an exam). You can 'φοβάμαι' an exam if you think you will fail, but 'ανησυχώ' is the general stress leading up to it.

Μην ανησυχείς, όλα θα πάνε καλά.

Don't worry, everything will be fine.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the right word for the right emotional intensity. If you use φοβάμαι for every minor concern, you might sound overly dramatic. Conversely, using ανησυχώ for a life-threatening situation would be an understatement. Mastering this spectrum is key to achieving fluency in Greek emotional expression.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Φοβούμαι ότι η κατάσταση χρήζει περαιτέρω διερεύνησης."

Neutral

"Φοβάμαι ότι θα βρέξει το απόγευμα."

Informal

"Σιγά μην τον φοβηθώ!"

Child friendly

"Μην φοβάσαι, το σκυλάκι είναι καλό."

Slang

"Μην κωλώνεις, πάμε!"

Fun Fact

The root 'phob-' is the source of the English suffix '-phobia'. In Greek mythology, Phobos was the personification of fear and the son of Ares (God of War).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /foˈvame/

US /foʊˈvɑmeɪ/

Second syllable (fo-VA-me).

Rhymes With

κοιμάμαι (kimame - I sleep) θυμάμαι (thimame - I remember) λυπάμαι (lipame - I am sorry) θυμάμαι διψάμαι (rare) πεινάμαι (rare) κρεμάμαι κρατιέμαι

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (FO-va-me) - incorrect.
Pronouncing 'v' as 'b' - incorrect, it is always a 'v' sound.
Missing the 'i' sound in the past tense 'fo-VEE-thee-ka'.
Confusing the stress in 'fo-VO-mas-te' (1st person plural).
Treating it as a three-syllable word 'fov-am-e' rather than 'fo-va-me'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to recognize due to 'phobia' root.

Writing 3/5

Middle-voice endings can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Stress shifts in plural forms need practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but past tense 'φοβήθηκα' sounds different.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

είμαι κάνω θέλω σκύλος σκοτάδι

Learn Next

ανησυχώ τρομάζω ελπίζω πιστεύω νομίζω

Advanced

εκφοβισμός τρομοκρατία ατρόμητος δειλία πανικός

Grammar to Know

Deponent Verbs

Φοβάμαι, κοιμάμαι, θυμάμαι all share passive endings but active meanings.

Subjunctive with 'να'

Φοβάμαι να κολυμπήσω (I fear to swim).

Possibility with 'μήπως'

Φοβάμαι μήπως αργήσω (I fear lest I be late).

Accusative without Preposition

Φοβάμαι τον λύκο (I fear the wolf).

Aorist Passive Stem

The stem changes to -ηθ- in the past: φοβήθηκα.

Examples by Level

Φοβάμαι τον σκύλο.

I fear the dog.

Direct object in accusative.

Μην φοβάσαι!

Don't be afraid!

Negative imperative.

Φοβάται το σκοτάδι.

He/She is afraid of the dark.

3rd person singular present.

Φοβόμαστε τις αράχνες.

We are afraid of spiders.

1st person plural present.

Γιατί φοβάσαι;

Why are you afraid?

Interrogative sentence.

Δεν φοβάμαι τίποτα.

I fear nothing.

Double negative is standard in Greek.

Φοβούνται το νερό.

They are afraid of the water.

3rd person plural present.

Είσαι φοβητσιάρης!

You are a scaredy-cat!

Adjective derived from the verb.

Φοβήθηκα πολύ χθες το βράδυ.

I was very scared last night.

Aorist (past) tense.

Φοβάμαι να οδηγήσω.

I am afraid to drive.

Verb + να + subjunctive.

Θα φοβηθείς αν δεις την ταινία.

You will be scared if you see the movie.

Future tense.

Όταν ήμουν μικρός, φοβόμουν τους κεραυνούς.

When I was little, I used to fear thunder.

Imperfect tense (habitual past).

Μην φοβηθείτε από τον θόρυβο.

Don't be (suddenly) scared by the noise.

Aorist imperative (plural).

Φοβάται να πει την αλήθεια.

He is afraid to tell the truth.

Infinitive-like construction with να.

Ποτέ δεν φοβήθηκα τις προκλήσεις.

I was never afraid of challenges.

Aorist with negative.

Φοβάστε το ύψος;

Are you afraid of heights?

2nd person plural (formal/plural).

Φοβάμαι μήπως βρέξει.

I'm afraid it might rain.

Φοβάμαι + μήπως for possibility.

Φοβάμαι ότι δεν θα προλάβουμε.

I'm afraid that we won't make it in time.

Φοβάμαι + ότι for a feared fact.

Φοβόταν μήπως τον απολύσουν.

He was afraid they might fire him.

Imperfect + μήπως.

Μην φοβάσαι να εκφράσεις τη γνώμη σου.

Don't be afraid to express your opinion.

Subjunctive clause.

Φοβάται και τη σκιά του.

He is afraid of his own shadow.

Common idiom.

Φοβάμαι πως έχεις δίκιο.

I'm afraid that you are right.

'Πως' used as 'that' in a polite way.

Πολλοί φοβούνται για το μέλλον.

Many fear for the future.

Φοβάμαι + για (fear for/about).

Δεν φοβάται κανέναν και τίποτα.

He fears no one and nothing.

Emphatic negative construction.

Οι επενδυτές φοβούνται την αστάθεια της αγοράς.

Investors fear market instability.

Abstract direct object.

Φοβήθηκε μήπως η απόφασή του είχε αρνητικές συνέπειες.

He feared lest his decision had negative consequences.

Aorist + μήπως with past consequences.

Είναι φυσικό να φοβάται κανείς το άγνωστο.

It is natural for one to fear the unknown.

Impersonal construction with να.

Φοβάμαι ότι η κατάσταση είναι μη αναστρέψιμη.

I fear that the situation is irreversible.

Formal statement of concern.

Δεν πρέπει να δειλιάζουμε μπροστά στα εμπόδια.

We must not shrink/hesitate before obstacles.

Use of synonym 'δειλιάζω'.

Φοβάται την κοινωνική κατακραυγή.

He fears social outcry/condemnation.

Sophisticated abstract object.

Φοβήθηκαν για τη ζωή τους κατά τη διάρκεια του σεισμού.

They feared for their lives during the earthquake.

Φοβάμαι για (fear for lives).

Όσο περισσότερο μαθαίνεις, τόσο λιγότερο φοβάσαι.

The more you learn, the less you fear.

Comparative structure.

Η κυβέρνηση φοβάται πολιτικό κόστος από τα νέα μέτρα.

The government fears political cost from the new measures.

Metaphorical fear in political context.

Φοβού τους Δαναούς και δώρα φέροντας.

Fear the Greeks, even when bearing gifts.

Archaic imperative form 'φοβού'.

Υπάρχει ένας διάχυτος φόβος στην ατμόσφαιρα.

There is a pervasive fear in the atmosphere.

Using the noun 'φόβος'.

Φοβάμαι μήπως η ρητορική αυτή οδηγήσει σε διχασμό.

I fear lest this rhetoric leads to division.

Subjunctive with 'μήπως' in formal discourse.

Δεν φοβήθηκε να συγκρουστεί με το κατεστημένο.

He did not fear to clash with the establishment.

Aorist with infinitive 'να'.

Φοβάμαι πως η ανάλυσή σας παραβλέπει βασικές παραμέτρους.

I'm afraid your analysis overlooks key parameters.

Polite academic disagreement.

Ο φόβος του θανάτου είναι κινητήριος δύναμη για την τέχνη.

The fear of death is a driving force for art.

Philosophical usage.

Φοβήθηκε την ίδια του την οργή.

He feared his own rage.

Internal psychological fear.

Η υπαρξιακή αγωνία υπερβαίνει τον απλό φόβο του θανάτου.

Existential agony transcends the simple fear of death.

Contrast between 'φόβος' and 'αγωνία'.

Φοβούμαι ότι η ιστορική μνήμη εξασθενεί επικίνδυνα.

I fear that historical memory is weakening dangerously.

Use of formal 'φοβούμαι' for gravitas.

Ο Καζαντζάκης έγραψε: 'Δεν ελπίζω τίποτα, δεν φοβάμαι τίποτα, είμαι λέφτερος'.

Kazantzakis wrote: 'I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free'.

Famous literary reference.

Η τραγωδία προκαλεί 'έλεον και φόβον' στον θεατή.

Tragedy evokes 'pity and fear' in the spectator.

Aristotelian terminology.

Φοβάμαι μήπως η τεχνολογική πρόοδος αποξενώσει τον άνθρωπο.

I fear lest technological progress alienates humanity.

Complex philosophical concern.

Δεν φοβάται να αναμετρηθεί με τις σκιές του παρελθόντος.

He is not afraid to face the shadows of the past.

Metaphorical use of 'αναμετρηθεί'.

Ο φόβος είναι κακός σύμβουλος στις κρίσιμες στιγμές.

Fear is a bad advisor in critical moments.

Proverbial expression.

Φοβάμαι ότι η πολυπλοκότητα του ζητήματος απαιτεί βαθύτερη έρευνα.

I fear the complexity of the issue requires deeper research.

High-level professional register.

Common Collocations

φοβάμαι το σκοτάδι

φοβάμαι για τη ζωή μου

φοβάμαι μήπως

φοβάμαι το θάνατο

φοβάμαι την αποτυχία

φοβάμαι πολύ

φοβάμαι ότι

φοβάμαι το ύψος

φοβάμαι την ευθύνη

μην φοβάσαι τίποτα

Common Phrases

Φοβάμαι πως όχι.

— I'm afraid not. Used as a polite refusal.

—Θα έρθεις; —Φοβάμαι πως όχι.

Φοβάμαι πως ναι.

— I'm afraid so. Used to confirm something negative.

—Χάσαμε; —Φοβάμαι πως ναι.

Μην φοβάσαι.

— Don't be afraid. A common comforting phrase.

Μην φοβάσαι, όλα θα πάνε καλά.

Τι φοβάσαι;

— What are you afraid of? A direct question about fear.

Τι φοβάσαι και δεν μιλάς;

Δεν φοβάται το μάτι του.

— He is fearless/brave. Literally: His eye doesn't fear.

Είναι ριψοκίνδυνος, δεν φοβάται το μάτι του.

Φοβάμαι το μέλλον.

— I fear the future. Expressing general anxiety.

Με τόσα που γίνονται, φοβάμαι το μέλλον.

Φοβάμαι να το πω.

— I'm afraid to say it. Hesitation to speak.

Φοβάμαι να το πω, αλλά κάναμε λάθος.

Ποιον φοβάσαι;

— Who are you afraid of?

Ποιον φοβάσαι και κρύβεσαι;

Φοβήθηκε το αίμα του.

— He was terrified. Literally: His blood was scared.

Όταν είδε το ατύχημα, φοβήθηκε το αίμα του.

Μη φοβάστε τίποτα.

— Fear nothing (plural/formal).

Μη φοβάστε τίποτα, η αστυνομία είναι εδώ.

Often Confused With

φοβάμαι vs φοβίζω

Means 'to frighten someone else' (active), while 'φοβάμαι' is 'to be afraid' (internal).

φοβάμαι vs ανησυχώ

Means 'to worry' (mental) rather than visceral fear.

φοβάμαι vs τρομάζω

Means 'to get a shock/fright' (sudden) rather than continuous fear.

Idioms & Expressions

"Φοβάται και τη σκιά του"

— To be extremely cowardly or easily frightened.

Μην τον περιμένεις, αυτός φοβάται και τη σκιά του.

Informal

"Φοβού τους Δαναούς και δώρα φέροντας"

— Be wary of enemies even when they seem friendly.

Πρόσεχε την πρότασή τους· φοβού τους Δαναούς...

Literary/Historical

"Το φόβο να έχεις"

— You should be afraid/careful. A warning.

Είναι επικίνδυνος άνθρωπος, το φόβο να έχεις.

Informal

"Έγινε ο φόβος και ο τρόμος"

— To become the terror of a place/group.

Ο νέος διευθυντής έγινε ο φόβος και ο τρόμος.

Neutral

"Φυλάει τα ρούχα του για να έχει τα μισά"

— Being overly cautious (related to fear of loss).

Δεν επενδύει ποτέ, φυλάει τα ρούχα του...

Proverbial

"Τον έζωσαν τα φίδια"

— To become very anxious or suspicious (fearful of something hidden).

Όταν άργησε, τον έζωσαν τα φίδια.

Informal

"Κάνει την καρδιά του πέτρα"

— To overcome fear/emotion to do something hard.

Έκανε την καρδιά του πέτρα και μπήκε μέσα.

Neutral

"Του κόπηκαν τα γόνατα"

— To be so scared one's knees buckle.

Μόλις είδε το γκρεμό, του κόπηκαν τα γόνατα.

Informal

"Άσπρισε από το φόβο του"

— To turn white from fear.

Όταν είδε το φάντασμα, άσπρισε από το φόβο του.

Neutral

"Του ήρθε ο ουρανός σφοντύλι"

— To be shocked/scared by sudden bad news.

Όταν έμαθε την αλήθεια, του ήρθε ο ουρανός σφοντύλι.

Informal

Easily Confused

φοβάμαι vs φοβίζω

Similar root and sound.

Active vs. Deponent. 'Με φοβίζεις' (You scare me) vs. 'Σε φοβάμαι' (I am afraid of you).

Μην με φοβίζεις με αυτές τις ιστορίες!

φοβάμαι vs τρομάζω

Both relate to fear.

Tromazo is usually a reaction to a sudden event; Phovamai is a state or a phobia.

Τρόμαξα από το μπαμ!

φοβάμαι vs ανησυχώ

Often used interchangeably in English ('I'm afraid/worried').

Anisicho is cognitive anxiety; Phovamai is more visceral or formal apprehension.

Ανησυχώ για το μέλλον.

φοβάμαι vs δειλιάζω

Describes fear leading to inaction.

Specific to lacking courage or hesitating.

Δείλιασε την τελευταία στιγμή.

φοβάμαι vs σκιάζομαι

Informal synonym.

Skiazomai is more informal and often implies being 'spooked' by something unseen.

Σκιάχτηκα μες στο δάσος.

Sentence Patterns

Εγώ φοβάμαι [Noun-Acc].

Εγώ φοβάμαι τον σκύλο.

Μην φοβάσαι!

Μην φοβάσαι, παιδί μου.

Φοβάμαι να [Verb-Subj].

Φοβάμαι να πετάξω.

Φοβήθηκα πολύ [Adverb].

Φοβήθηκα πολύ χθες.

Φοβάμαι μήπως [Verb-Subj].

Φοβάμαι μήπως χάσω το κλειδί.

Φοβάμαι ότι [Clause].

Φοβάμαι ότι δεν θα έρθει.

Φοβάμαι για [Noun-Acc].

Φοβάμαι για την υγεία μου.

Φοβού [Noun-Acc].

Φοβού τους εχθρούς.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; among the top 500 words in Greek.

Common Mistakes

Φοβάω τον σκύλο. → Φοβάμαι τον σκύλο.
You used the active ending. 'Φοβάμαι' is a deponent verb and must use the passive -μαι ending.
Φοβάμαι από το σκοτάδι. → Φοβάμαι το σκοτάδι.
You added 'από' (from/of). In Greek, the verb takes a direct object in the accusative.
Δεν φοβάσαι! → Μην φοβάσαι!
You used 'δεν' for a command. Use 'μην' for prohibitions or advice (Don't be afraid).
Φοβάμαι ότι θα βρέξει. → Φοβάμαι μήπως βρέξει.
While 'ότι' isn't strictly wrong, 'μήπως' is much better for expressing a worry about a possibility.
Φοβάμαι να χάσω το τρένο. → Φοβάμαι μήπως χάσω το τρένο.
Use 'να' for actions you are afraid to do yourself, and 'μήπως' for events you are afraid might happen to you.

Tips

Case Control

Always remember that the object of your fear goes in the Accusative case. For example: Φοβάμαι τον λύκο (masculine), Φοβάμαι την αρκούδα (feminine), Φοβάμαι το φίδι (neuter).

Stress Shift

When you say 'we are afraid' (φοβόμαστε), the stress moves from the 'a' to the 'o'. Practicing this shift will make you sound much more native.

Phobia Root

Since the word 'phobia' comes from 'φόβος', you can easily guess the meaning of many Greek words ending in -φοβία. This is a great way to expand your vocabulary quickly.

Politeness

Use 'Φοβάμαι ότι...' to deliver bad news. It shows you care about the listener's feelings and makes the rejection or negative information softer.

Avoiding Redundancy

Don't use 'από' after 'φοβάμαι' unless you are speaking a specific dialect. Stick to the direct object for standard Greek.

Mnemonic

Link 'φοβάμαι' to 'foam at the mouth'. Imagine being so scared of a dog that you foam at the mouth. Phov-amai!

Active vs Passive

Remember: 'Με φοβίζεις' (You frighten me) vs 'Σε φοβάμαι' (I fear you). Use the first when someone does an action to scare you.

Encouraging Others

The phrase 'Μην φοβάσαι' is one of the kindest things you can say in Greek. It’s used constantly in friendships and family.

Lest vs That

Master the difference between 'μήπως' and 'ότι'. It is the hallmark of a B1/B2 level speaker.

Kazantzakis

Memorize the quote 'Δεν φοβάμαι τίποτα' to understand a key part of Greek cultural identity regarding freedom.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Phobia.' You already know what a phobia is. Now just add the Greek verb ending '-amai' to the root 'phov-'. Phov-amai = I have a phobia = I fear.

Visual Association

Imagine a person looking at a large 'V' (for the 'v' in phovamai) and shaking with fear. The 'V' looks like a shark's tooth.

Word Web

φόβος φοβία φοβερός φοβητσιάρης τρομάζω ανησυχώ δειλιάζω τρομοκρατία

Challenge

Try to list three things you 'φοβάμαι' and three things you used to 'φοβόμουν' when you were a child.

Word Origin

From Ancient Greek φοβέομαι (phobéomai), the middle-passive voice of φοβέω (phobéō), meaning 'to put to flight' or 'to terrify'.

Original meaning: In Homeric Greek, 'phobos' often meant 'flight' or 'panic-stricken retreat' in battle, rather than just the internal feeling of fear.

Indo-European, Hellenic branch.

Cultural Context

Generally a neutral word, but calling someone 'φοβητσιάρης' can be seen as a mild insult or teasing.

English speakers use 'I'm afraid' as a polite filler (e.g., 'I'm afraid I can't'). Greeks do the same with 'Φοβάμαι ότι/πως'.

Nikos Kazantzakis' epitaph: 'Δεν φοβάμαι τίποτα.' Aristotle's Poetics (Fear and Pity). Greek Orthodox liturgy: 'Μετά φόβου Θεού...'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the doctor

Φοβάμαι τις βελόνες.
Μην φοβάστε, δεν θα πονέσει.
Φοβάμαι για τα αποτελέσματα.
Τι φοβάστε ακριβώς;

Driving

Φοβάμαι την ταχύτητα.
Φοβάται να οδηγήσει τη νύχτα.
Μην φοβάσαι, οδηγώ καλά.
Φοβάμαι μήπως τρακάρουμε.

Workplace

Φοβάμαι ότι θα χάσουμε την προθεσμία.
Φοβάται την κριτική.
Μην φοβάστε να προτείνετε ιδέες.
Φοβούνται για τις θέσεις τους.

Childhood

Φοβόμουν το μπαμπούλα.
Φοβάται να μείνει μόνος.
Μην φοβάσαι το σκοτάδι.
Τι φοβόσουν μικρός;

Weather/Nature

Φοβάμαι τις καταιγίδες.
Φοβούνται τη θάλασσα.
Φοβάμαι μήπως γίνει σεισμός.
Φοβάμαι τα φίδια.

Conversation Starters

"Τι φοβόσουν περισσότερο όταν ήσουν παιδί;"

"Φοβάσαι να ταξιδεύεις με αεροπλάνο;"

"Πιστεύεις ότι οι άνθρωποι φοβούνται το μέλλον σήμερα;"

"Υπάρχει κάποια ταινία που σε έκανε να φοβηθείς πραγματικά;"

"Πώς αντιμετωπίζεις κάτι που φοβάσαι να κάνεις;"

Journal Prompts

Γράψε για μια φορά που φοβήθηκες πολύ αλλά τελικά τα κατάφερες.

Ποιες είναι οι μεγαλύτερες φοβίες σου και πώς σε επηρεάζουν;

Τι σημαίνει για σένα η φράση 'Δεν φοβάμαι τίποτα';

Περίγραψε μια κατάσταση στην οποία κάποιος άλλος φοβόταν και εσύ τον βοήθησες.

Πώς έχει αλλάξει ο τρόπος που φοβάσαι από τότε που ήσουν παιδί;

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is a common mistake. In standard Modern Greek, you simply use the accusative case: 'Φοβάμαι το σκοτάδι', not 'από το σκοτάδι'.

'Μήπως' expresses a worry about a possibility (I fear it might happen), while 'ότι' expresses a fear about a fact (I fear that it is true).

You say 'Μην φοβάσαι' for one person and 'Μην φοβάστε' for multiple people or formal situations.

Yes, but it is very formal or archaic. You will see it in literature, legal texts, or older religious contexts. In daily life, use 'φοβάμαι'.

The past tense (Aorist) is 'φοβήθηκα' (I was afraid). The Imperfect is 'φοβόμουν' (I used to be afraid).

Indirectly, yes. 'Φοβάμαι πως όχι' (I'm afraid not) is a polite way to say 'I'm sorry, but no'.

It is a regular deponent verb of the -άμαι category, similar to 'κοιμάμαι' (to sleep).

Interestingly, 'φοβερός' can mean 'fearful' or 'terrible', but in modern slang, it almost always means 'awesome' or 'great'.

The most common words are 'άφοβος' or 'ατρόμητος'.

Usually no, but you can use 'για' when you fear 'for' someone or something (e.g., 'φοβάμαι για σένα').