B1 Subjunctive 16 min read Medium

Expressing Fear in Spanish (Subjunctive)

When expressing fear about someone else's actions, always use the Subjunctive mood after the connector que.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

When you express fear or worry about someone else's action, use the subjunctive mood to show that the outcome is uncertain.

  • Use 'que' to connect the emotion to the action: 'Temo que llueva' (I fear it will rain).
  • The subject of the first verb must be different from the second: 'Temo que tú vayas'.
  • If there is no 'que' and the subject is the same, use the infinitive: 'Temo ir' (I fear going).
Subject 1 + Verb of Fear + que + Subject 2 + Verb (Subjunctive)

Overview

Expressing fear in Spanish fundamentally engages the subjunctive mood. This is not an arbitrary grammatical rule but a direct reflection of how Spanish categorizes statements about reality. When you communicate fear, you are not asserting an objective fact about the feared event; instead, you are conveying a subjective emotional reaction to a potential, uncertain, or desired/undesired outcome.

The subjunctive, by its nature, handles these realms of subjectivity, emotion, doubt, and volition, distinguishing them from the declarative certainty of the indicative mood.

At a B1 level, you are moving beyond simple factual statements to express more complex emotional states and opinions. Understanding how to correctly employ the subjunctive for fear allows you to articulate concerns, anxieties, and apprehension in a nuanced, native-like manner. This rule applies to both personal fears and fears regarding external circumstances or the actions of others, marking a significant step in your fluency.

This guide will meticulously break down the structures used to express fear, focusing on tener miedo de que and temer que, and clarify the underlying principles governing their use. You will learn not only the what but also the why, enabling you to apply these patterns confidently and accurately in various communicative contexts. Mastery of this concept is crucial for expressing a wide range of emotions and navigating interpersonal communication effectively.

How This Grammar Works

Spanish grammar differentiates between expressing a fact (indicative) and expressing an emotion, opinion, or doubt about something (subjunctive). When you express fear, the main clause conveys your emotional state, and the subordinate clause, introduced by que, describes the object of that fear. Because the feared event is not presented as a certainty but as a possibility or an undesirable outcome, the verb in the subordinate clause must be in the subjunctive mood.
The core principle here is the "WEIRDO" rule or "SPICE" rule, which broadly categorizes contexts triggering the subjunctive: Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Requests/Recommendations, Doubt/Denial, and Ojalá (or Subjectivity, Purpose, Influence, Conjecture, Emotion). Fear clearly falls under the "Emotion" category. This rule is consistent across many subjunctive triggers, providing a logical framework for its application.
A critical condition for triggering the subjunctive with fear expressions is a change of subject between the main clause (expressing fear) and the subordinate clause (the feared event). If the subject of both clauses is the same, you do not use que and the subjunctive. Instead, you use the infinitive form of the verb after the preposition de (for tener miedo) or directly after temer (though temer is less common with a same-subject infinitive, often preferring temer + infinitivo for a general fear).
Consider these examples illustrating the subject change requirement:
  • Tengo miedo de que te pierdas en la ciudad. (I'm afraid that you get lost in the city.) – Different subjects: yo (I) am afraid, tú (you) get lost. Subjunctive pierdas is used.
  • Temo que ella no venga a la fiesta. (I fear that she doesn't come to the party.) – Different subjects: yo (I) fear, ella (she) doesn't come. Subjunctive venga is used.
  • Tengo miedo de viajar solo. (I'm afraid of traveling alone.) – Same subject: yo (I) am afraid, yo (I) travel. Infinitive viajar is used. No que.
This distinction is fundamental. It signifies whether you are reacting to an external event or expressing a personal apprehension about your own actions or state. Mastering this nuance is paramount for grammatical accuracy.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming sentences to express fear with the subjunctive follows a clear, multi-step structure. The most common constructions involve tener miedo de que and temer que. Both require a subject change to trigger the subjunctive in the subordinate clause.
2
Pattern 1: Tener miedo de que + [new subject] + [Present Subjunctive verb]
3
Tener miedo: Start with the verb tener conjugated in the present indicative, followed by the masculine singular noun miedo. For example: yo tengo miedo, tú tienes miedo, él/ella/usted tiene miedo, etc.
4
de que: This fixed prepositional phrase acts as the connector. The de is mandatory here; omitting it is a common error (see Common Mistakes).
5
New Subject: Ensure the subject of the clause following que is different from the subject of tener miedo. This is the crucial trigger for the subjunctive.
6
Present Subjunctive Verb: Conjugate the verb of the feared action/state into the present subjunctive. This is where the "flip-flop" endings come into play.
7
Here’s a reminder of regular Present Subjunctive conjugations:
8
| Verb Type | Yo | Tú | Él/Ella/Usted | Nosotros/as | Vosotros/as | Ellos/as/Ustedes |
9
| :-------- | :-------- | :-------- | :-------------- | :-------------- | :-------------- | :----------------- |
10
| -AR | -e | -es | -e | -emos | -éis | -en |
11
| -ER | -a | -as | -a | -amos | -áis | -an |
12
| -IR | -a | -as | -a | -amos | -áis | -an |
13
Example: Tengo miedo de que no encuentres el camino. (I'm afraid that you don't find the way.) Here, yo is afraid, and tú (encuentres) is the new subject.
14
Example: Tenemos miedo de que llueva durante la ceremonia. (We're afraid that it rains during the ceremony.) The impersonal llueve becomes subjunctive llueva when feared.
15
Pattern 2: Temer que + [new subject] + [Present Subjunctive verb]
16
Temer: This verb directly means "to fear." Conjugate it in the present indicative (temo, temes, teme, etc.). It is slightly more formal than tener miedo and often implies a more serious or deeply felt apprehension.
17
que: This conjunction directly follows temer.
18
New Subject: Again, the subject of the subordinate clause must be different.
19
Present Subjunctive Verb: Conjugate the verb of the feared action/state into the present subjunctive, following the same rules as above.
20
Example: Tememos que haya problemas con el proyecto. (We fear that there are problems with the project.) Nosotros fear, problemas (haya from haber) is the feared subject.
21
Example: El gobierno teme que la economía empeore. (The government fears that the economy worsens.) El gobierno fears, la economía (empeore from empeorar) is the feared subject.
22
Irregular Verbs in the Subjunctive: Remember that many verbs that are irregular in the present indicative are also irregular in the present subjunctive, often maintaining their stem changes (e.g., venir -> venga, poder -> pueda, hacer -> haga). Always consult a reliable conjugation resource for irregular forms. The six key irregular verbs (ser, ir, saber, haber, estar, dar) are particularly important to memorize due to their high frequency. For instance, ser becomes sea, ir becomes vaya, and haber (as in hay for existence) becomes haya.

When To Use It

This grammatical structure is essential whenever you wish to articulate concern, apprehension, or fear about an event or situation that you perceive as uncertain or undesirable, and importantly, when another subject is involved in that feared outcome. It is distinct from stating a fact and instead expresses your emotional perspective on a possibility.
1. Expressing Personal Fears about Others' Actions/States:
Use this pattern when you are afraid of what another person might do, say, or how they might be affected. This is one of the most common applications in daily communication.
  • Tengo miedo de que no te sientas bien. (I'm afraid that you don't feel well.) – A personal concern about someone else's state.
  • Mi madre teme que mi hermana no llegue a casa a tiempo. (My mother fears that my sister doesn't arrive home on time.) – Fear related to another family member's action.
2. Expressing Fears about General Events or Impersonal Situations:
This includes anxieties about weather, political outcomes, technical issues, or any circumstance outside your direct control where the outcome is uncertain and potentially negative.
  • Tenemos miedo de que suban los precios de la gasolina. (We are afraid that gasoline prices will rise.) – Fear about an economic situation.
  • Temo que el servidor se caiga de nuevo. (I fear that the server crashes again.) – Apprehension about a technical malfunction.
3. In Formal and Informal Contexts:
Both tener miedo de que and temer que are versatile. Tener miedo de que is generally more common and conversational, fitting into everyday exchanges. Temer que carries a slightly more formal or emphatic tone, often found in news, academic discussion, or when expressing a more profound concern.
  • Casual conversation: Tengo miedo de que llegues tarde y perdamos la película. (I'm afraid that you arrive late and we miss the movie.)
  • Professional context: El comité teme que la decisión afecte negativamente a los empleados. (The committee fears that the decision negatively affects the employees.)
4. Contrasting with Same-Subject Fears:
Always remember the crucial rule: if the subject of the fear and the subject of the feared action are the same, use the infinitive. This is a common point of confusion for B1 learners.
  • Different subject: Ella tiene miedo de que su hijo se resfríe. (She's afraid that her son catches a cold.)
  • Same subject: Ella tiene miedo de resfriarse. (She's afraid of catching a cold.)
Use this structure whenever your emotional state of fear is directed towards a potential, non-factual outcome involving a different agent or an impersonal circumstance. It empowers you to express a wide spectrum of human anxiety in Spanish.

Common Mistakes

Navigating the subjunctive for fear can present several pitfalls. Recognizing these common errors and understanding why they occur is essential for mastery and for speaking more accurately.
1. Forgetting the Subject Change Rule: This is arguably the most frequent error. Learners often overuse the subjunctive even when the subject of the main clause and the subordinate clause is the same. The Spanish grammatical system requires the subjunctive to indicate a different subject's action or an external uncertain event.
  • Incorrect: Tengo miedo de que yo pierda el vuelo. (I'm afraid that I lose the flight.)
  • Correct: Tengo miedo de perder el vuelo. (I'm afraid of losing the flight.)
  • Why it's wrong: The fear is about yo and the action of losing is also by yo. No subject change, so no que and no subjunctive.
2. Dequeísmo with temer: Dequeísmo is the incorrect insertion of de before que when it's not grammatically required. While tener miedo correctly uses de que, temer does not. This distinction is often tricky.
  • Incorrect: Temo de que no venga.
  • Correct: Temo que no venga. (I fear that he/she won't come.)
  • Why it's wrong: Temer is a transitive verb that directly takes a clause introduced by que. It does not require the preposition de.
3. Using the Indicative Instead of the Subjunctive: Even when a subject change correctly triggers que, learners might revert to the indicative, especially with common verbs. This negates the very purpose of the subjunctive in conveying uncertainty or emotion.
  • Incorrect: Tengo miedo de que está lloviendo.
  • Correct: Tengo miedo de que esté lloviendo. (I'm afraid that it's raining.)
  • Why it's wrong: The tener miedo de que construction explicitly demands the subjunctive in the subordinate clause because it expresses an emotional reaction to an uncertain state.
4. Confusing tener miedo a vs. tener miedo de que: When expressing fear of a noun (a thing or a category), you typically use the preposition a without que or the subjunctive. This is a direct object of fear, not a feared event.
  • Tengo miedo a las arañas. (I'm afraid of spiders.) – arañas is a noun.
  • Tengo miedo de que haya arañas. (I'm afraid that there are spiders.) – haya is a verb, requiring que and subjunctive.
  • Why the distinction: One expresses fear of an object, the other expresses fear of an occurrence or existence involving that object.
5. Incorrect Subjunctive Conjugations: Forgetting stem changes, irregular forms, or the "flip-flop" endings is a persistent challenge. Consistent practice and reference are key.
  • Incorrect: Temo que ella vuelva temprano. (from volver which is o->ue stem-changing).
  • Correct: Temo que ella vuelva temprano. (I fear that she returns early.)
  • Why it's wrong: Although the ending is correct, the stem change for volver (o->ue) applies in the subjunctive for most forms, just as it does in the indicative present, except for nosotros/vosotros.
By systematically addressing these common errors, you can significantly enhance the accuracy and naturalness of your Spanish when expressing fear.

Real Conversations

Understanding grammatical rules is one thing; observing their application in authentic communication is another. Here’s how expressions of fear with the subjunctive appear in various modern Spanish contexts, from casual texts to more formal discussions.

1. Casual Texting/Messaging:

In informal digital communication, brevity and directness are common. The subjunctive is still essential for clarity.

- Amiga 1: No contesta mi llamada. 😬 (She's not answering my call. 😬)

- Amiga 2: Uhm... tengo miedo de que esté enojada. (Uhm... I'm afraid she's angry.) – The fear of a potential state (estar enojada).

- Colega 1: El jefe quiere el informe para mañana. (The boss wants the report by tomorrow.)

- Colega 2: Temo que no nos dé tiempo a terminarlo. (I fear that we won't have time to finish it.) – Expressing apprehension about a deadline (impersonal dar tiempo).

2. Social Media Interactions:

On platforms like Instagram or Twitter, people often express immediate reactions or worries.

- A user posts about a glitch: Me da miedo que pierda todas mis fotos por este error de la app. (It scares me that I lose all my photos because of this app error.) – The user is concerned about the app's action (pierda from perder, though technically the subject here is the app, it's about the effect on the user).

- Commenting on a news story: Tengo miedo de que la situación política empeore. (I'm afraid that the political situation worsens.) – Expressing concern about a public issue.

3. Work Emails/Professional Settings:

While often more formal, the need to express concern or potential negative outcomes still arises. Temer que is particularly useful here.

- Subject: Preocupación sobre el lanzamiento (Concern about the launch)

- Body: Estimado equipo, Temo que si no revisamos el código una vez más, surjan problemas críticos en producción. Es vital que seamos exhaustivos. (Dear team, I fear that if we don't review the code one more time, critical problems will arise in production. It is vital that we are thorough.) – Here, surgir (to arise) and ser are in the subjunctive, expressing a feared potential.

4. Casual Conversation:

In face-to-face interactions, fear expressions are common when discussing plans, health, or personal matters.

- Padre: Tengo miedo de que mi hijo no apruebe el examen. (I'm afraid that my son doesn't pass the exam.) – Concern for a child's academic performance.

- Amiga: ¿Vas a ir sola al concierto? (Are you going to the concert alone?)

- Amiga: Sí, pero tengo miedo de que sea peligroso. (Yes, but I'm afraid that it's dangerous.) – Fear about the safety of a situation (ser).

These examples demonstrate that the subjunctive, far from being an arcane rule, is an integral part of expressing genuine human emotions and uncertainties in contemporary Spanish.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the expression of fear with the subjunctive.
  • Q: Can I use miedo with past tenses when expressing fear?

Yes, absolutely. If your fear originated in the past, or if you are reporting a past fear, you would conjugate tener or temer in the appropriate past tense (e.g., tenía miedo de que..., temí que...). The verb in the subordinate clause would then typically be in the Imperfect Subjunctive to maintain sequence of tenses. For example: Tenía miedo de que no vinieras. (I was afraid that you wouldn't come.) This reflects a B2 or C1 level concept, but it's good to be aware of the possibility.

  • Q: Is temer always more formal than tener miedo?

Generally, yes. Temer is often perceived as carrying a more literary, formal, or serious weight. It implies a deeper, sometimes more intellectual or abstract fear. Tener miedo de que is the go-to phrase for everyday, conversational fear, covering a wider range of anxieties from mild apprehension to significant dread. You'll hear tener miedo much more frequently in daily interactions.

  • Q: What if I'm afraid of a thing (a noun), not an action or event?

In this case, you typically use tener miedo a + [noun]. No que and no subjunctive are involved because you're directly stating an object of fear, not a feared event with a verb. For example: Tengo miedo a las alturas. (I'm afraid of heights.) or Mi perro tiene miedo a los fuegos artificiales. (My dog is afraid of fireworks.) This construction is distinct from fearing an action or occurrence involving those things.

  • Q: Do I always need que after tener miedo or temer?

Only when you are introducing a subordinate clause with a different subject and a verb. If the subject is the same for both clauses, you use the infinitive (e.g., Tengo miedo de salir sola.). If you're stating fear of a noun, you use a (e.g., Tengo miedo a la oscuridad.). So, que is essential only for the specific [fear verb] + que + [new subject] + [subjunctive verb] construction.

  • Q: How do tener miedo de que and dar miedo que differ?

These are distinct yet related constructions. Tener miedo de que... means "I have fear that..." (I am afraid that...). The fear originates with the speaker. Me da miedo que... translates to "It gives me fear that..." (It scares me that...). Here, the feared event itself is the subject of dar miedo, and it causes fear in the speaker (the indirect object me). Both constructions require the subjunctive for the feared event because they both express an emotional reaction to an uncertain possibility.

  • Tengo miedo de que no vengas. (I am afraid that you won't come – my personal fear.)
  • Me da miedo que no vengas. (It scares me that you won't come – your potential non-arrival frightens me.)
Both are correct and used commonly.
  • Q: Is the subjunctive always used for fear when there's a subject change?

Yes, it is one of the most consistent and non-negotiable rules for expressing emotions in Spanish. Any verb or expression of fear (temer, tener miedo, dar miedo, preocupar, estar preocupado/a) followed by que and a different subject will always trigger the subjunctive. This consistency makes it a reliable pattern once you internalize it.

  • Q: What about regional variations in expressions of fear?

While tener miedo de que and temer que are universally understood, regional expressions add color. In Spain, you might hear me da yuyu for something that gives you the creeps (often followed by que + subjunctive if there's a feared event). In some Latin American countries, dar pavor (to terrify) is used, functioning similarly to dar miedo. These are nuances that advanced learners might pick up, but the core tener miedo/temer patterns remain central.

These FAQs aim to clarify common points of doubt, reinforcing your understanding of this important grammatical concept. Continuing to observe and practice these patterns will solidify your comprehension.

Present Subjunctive Endings

Person -AR Verbs -ER/-IR Verbs
Yo
-e
-a
Tú
-es
-as
Él/Ella/Ud.
-e
-a
Nosotros
-emos
-amos
Vosotros
-éis
-áis
Ellos/Ellas/Uds.
-en
-an

Meanings

This rule triggers the subjunctive mood when the main clause expresses fear, dread, or worry about an event or action.

1

Expressing personal fear

Stating that you are afraid of a specific outcome.

“Temo que no lleguen a tiempo.”

“Me preocupa que pierdan el vuelo.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Expressing Fear in Spanish (Subjunctive)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Temo que + Subjunctive
Temo que llueva.
Negative
No temo que + Subjunctive
No temo que llueva.
Interrogative
¿Temes que + Subjunctive?
¿Temes que llueva?
Same Subject
Temo + Infinitive
Temo llegar tarde.
With 'de'
Tengo miedo de que + Subjunctive
Tengo miedo de que se rompa.
Past Fear
Temía que + Imperfect Subjunctive
Temía que llegaras.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Temo que llueva.

Temo que llueva. (Weather)

Neutral
Me preocupa que llueva.

Me preocupa que llueva. (Weather)

Informal
Tengo miedo de que llueva.

Tengo miedo de que llueva. (Weather)

Slang
Me da miedo que caiga agua.

Me da miedo que caiga agua. (Weather)

The Fear Subjunctive Map

Fear/Worry

Verbs

  • Temer To fear
  • Preocuparse To worry

Phrases

  • Tener miedo de To be afraid of
  • Me da miedo It scares me

Indicative vs. Subjunctive

Indicative (Fact)
Sé que vienes I know you are coming
Subjunctive (Fear)
Temo que vengas I fear you might come

Decision Flowchart

1

Is there a change of subject?

YES
Use Subjunctive
NO
Use Infinitive
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Temo que llueva.

I fear it will rain.

2

Tengo miedo de que no vengas.

I'm afraid you won't come.

3

Me preocupa que estés triste.

I'm worried you are sad.

4

Temo que el perro ladre.

I fear the dog will bark.

1

Me da miedo que el examen sea difícil.

I'm afraid the test will be hard.

2

Temo que ellos no tengan dinero.

I fear they don't have money.

3

Me preocupa que no lleguemos a tiempo.

I'm worried we won't arrive on time.

4

Tengo miedo de que se pierdan.

I'm afraid they will get lost.

1

Temo que la situación económica empeore pronto.

I fear the economic situation will worsen soon.

2

Me preocupa que no hayan tomado una decisión todavía.

I'm worried they haven't made a decision yet.

3

Tengo miedo de que el proyecto no cumpla con los requisitos.

I'm afraid the project won't meet the requirements.

4

Me da miedo que se olviden de lo que hablamos.

I'm afraid they will forget what we talked about.

1

Temo que, a pesar de nuestros esfuerzos, el resultado no sea el esperado.

I fear that, despite our efforts, the result won't be what we expected.

2

Me preocupa sobremanera que la empresa no contemple estas variables.

I am deeply worried that the company doesn't consider these variables.

3

Tengo miedo de que, si no actuamos ahora, la oportunidad se pierda para siempre.

I'm afraid that if we don't act now, the opportunity will be lost forever.

4

Me da miedo que la gente no comprenda la gravedad del asunto.

I'm afraid people won't understand the gravity of the matter.

1

Temo que la incertidumbre política derive en una crisis institucional sin precedentes.

I fear that political uncertainty will lead to an unprecedented institutional crisis.

2

Me preocupa que el consenso alcanzado no sea más que una fachada.

I'm worried that the consensus reached is nothing more than a facade.

3

Tengo miedo de que la narrativa propuesta no logre cautivar a la audiencia.

I'm afraid the proposed narrative won't manage to captivate the audience.

4

Me da miedo que las consecuencias a largo plazo sean irreversibles.

I'm afraid the long-term consequences will be irreversible.

1

Temo que, en última instancia, la retórica empleada no haga sino exacerbar las tensiones latentes.

I fear that, ultimately, the rhetoric used will only exacerbate latent tensions.

2

Me preocupa que la estructura gramatical elegida no refleje la complejidad del pensamiento original.

I'm worried that the chosen grammatical structure doesn't reflect the complexity of the original thought.

3

Tengo miedo de que, por mucho que intentemos mitigar los riesgos, el desenlace sea inevitable.

I'm afraid that, no matter how much we try to mitigate the risks, the outcome will be inevitable.

4

Me da miedo que la esencia misma de nuestra cultura se diluya en la globalización.

I'm afraid the very essence of our culture will be diluted by globalization.

Easily Confused

Expressing Fear in Spanish (Subjunctive) vs Indicative vs. Subjunctive

Learners often use the indicative for everything.

Expressing Fear in Spanish (Subjunctive) vs Infinitive vs. Subjunctive

Learners use the subjunctive when the subject is the same.

Expressing Fear in Spanish (Subjunctive) vs Tener miedo de que vs. Tener miedo de

Forgetting the 'que' connector.

Common Mistakes

✗

Temo que vienes.

✓

Temo que vengas.

Fear requires subjunctive.
✗

Tengo miedo que llueve.

✓

Tengo miedo de que llueva.

Missing 'de' and wrong mood.
✗

Temo que yo llego.

✓

Temo llegar.

Same subject requires infinitive.
✗

Me preocupa que él viene.

✓

Me preocupa que él venga.

Subjunctive needed.
✗

Temo que ellos no tienen dinero.

✓

Temo que ellos no tengan dinero.

Subjunctive for uncertainty.
✗

Me da miedo que el examen es difícil.

✓

Me da miedo que el examen sea difícil.

Subjunctive for future/uncertainty.
✗

Temo que no llegamos.

✓

Temo que no lleguemos.

Subjunctive for future.
✗

Temo que la situación empeora.

✓

Temo que la situación empeore.

Subjunctive for emotional reaction.
✗

Me preocupa que no han tomado una decisión.

✓

Me preocupa que no hayan tomado una decisión.

Subjunctive perfect needed.
✗

Tengo miedo de que el proyecto no cumple.

✓

Tengo miedo de que el proyecto no cumpla.

Subjunctive needed.
✗

Temo que la incertidumbre política deriva.

✓

Temo que la incertidumbre política derive.

Subjunctive for high-level uncertainty.
✗

Me preocupa que el consenso es una fachada.

✓

Me preocupa que el consenso sea una fachada.

Subjunctive for subjective assessment.

Sentence Patterns

Temo que ___ pase.

Me preocupa que ___ no ___.

Tengo miedo de que ___ ___.

Me da miedo que ___ ___ demasiado.

Real World Usage

Texting very common

¡Tengo miedo de que no llegues!

Job Interview common

Me preocupa que no haya suficiente tiempo.

Travel common

Temo que perdamos el tren.

Food Delivery occasional

Me da miedo que la comida llegue fría.

Social Media common

Temo que la gente no entienda el mensaje.

Academic common

Temo que los resultados no sean concluyentes.

Sign up free to see all examples
💡

The 'Que' Rule

Always check for 'que'. If you don't have 'que', you probably don't need the subjunctive.
⚠️

Same Subject Trap

If you are the one doing the action, use the infinitive. 'Temo llegar' is correct; 'Temo que yo llegue' is wrong.
🎯

The Vowel Swap

Remember: -AR verbs swap to -e, -ER/-IR verbs swap to -a. It's the easiest way to remember the conjugation.
💬

Regional Variations

In some regions, 'Me da miedo' is used more often than 'Temo' in casual speech.

Smart Tips

Check if the subject changes. If yes, use subjunctive.

Temo que él viene. → Temo que él venga.

Use 'Me da miedo' instead of 'Temo'.

Temo que llueva. → Me da miedo que llueva.

Use the infinitive to avoid sounding repetitive.

Temo que yo llegue tarde. → Temo llegar tarde.

Remember: -AR to -e, -ER/-IR to -a.

Temo que ellos comen. → Temo que ellos coman.

Pronunciation

llue-ve (indicative) vs llue-va (subjunctive)

Subjunctive endings

Ensure the final vowel is clear and distinct.

Rising intonation

¿Temes que llueva? ↑

Conveys genuine concern or inquiry.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Fear is a 'Subjunctive Trigger'—if you're scared, the mood must change!

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding an umbrella (fear of rain) looking at the sky. The sky is dark (the subjunctive), and the umbrella is the 'que' connector.

Rhyme

When you feel fear or a worry inside, use the subjunctive to let it slide.

Story

Maria is scared of the dark. She says, 'Temo que se apague la luz' (I fear the light will go out). She is worried about the outcome, so she uses the subjunctive. If she were just talking about herself, she would say, 'Temo apagar la luz' (I fear turning off the light).

Word Web

TemerPreocuparseMiedoQueSubjuntivoIncertidumbre

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about things you are currently worried about using 'Temo que...' or 'Me preocupa que...'.

Cultural Notes

In Spain, 'Me da miedo' is very common in daily conversation.

Mexicans often use 'Me preocupa' to sound slightly more formal.

Argentines might use 'Me da cosa' to express a mild fear or discomfort.

The subjunctive mood in Spanish descends from the Latin subjunctive, which was used to express desire, possibility, and doubt.

Conversation Starters

“

¿Qué es algo que te da miedo que pase mañana?

“

¿Te preocupa que el clima cambie mucho?

“

¿Temes que la tecnología reemplace a los humanos?

“

¿Qué es lo que más te preocupa que ocurra en el futuro?

Journal Prompts

Describe a situation where you were worried about a friend.
Write about your fears regarding the future of the planet.
What are you afraid will happen at work/school this week?
Reflect on a time you were afraid of an outcome that didn't happen.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.

Temo que tú ___ (llegar) tarde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: llegues
Subjunctive is required after 'temer que'.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Temo que llueva.
Requires 'que' and subjunctive.
Correct the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Me preocupa que él viene.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me preocupa que él venga.
Subjunctive needed.
Transform to subjunctive. Sentence Transformation

Temo que ellos (tener) miedo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tengan
Subjunctive conjugation.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

If the subject is the same, use the subjunctive.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Use the infinitive.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: ¿Qué te preocupa? B: Me preocupa que ___ (perder) el vuelo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pierda
Subjunctive for 'yo' or 'él/ella'.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

Temo / que / nosotros / (ir) / tarde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Temo que nosotros vayamos tarde.
Subjunctive of 'ir'.
Conjugate 'comer' in the subjunctive. Conjugation Drill

Temo que ellos ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: coman
Subjunctive of 'comer'.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.

Temo que tú ___ (llegar) tarde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: llegues
Subjunctive is required after 'temer que'.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Temo que llueva.
Requires 'que' and subjunctive.
Correct the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Me preocupa que él viene.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me preocupa que él venga.
Subjunctive needed.
Transform to subjunctive. Sentence Transformation

Temo que ellos (tener) miedo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tengan
Subjunctive conjugation.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

If the subject is the same, use the subjunctive.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Use the infinitive.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: ¿Qué te preocupa? B: Me preocupa que ___ (perder) el vuelo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pierda
Subjunctive for 'yo' or 'él/ella'.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

Temo / que / nosotros / (ir) / tarde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Temo que nosotros vayamos tarde.
Subjunctive of 'ir'.
Conjugate 'comer' in the subjunctive. Conjugation Drill

Temo que ellos ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: coman
Subjunctive of 'comer'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank Fill in the Blank

Me da miedo que mi novio ___ (perder) las llaves.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pierda
Fix the error Error Correction

Tengo miedo de que ella me olvida.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo miedo de que ella me olvide.
Put the words in order Sentence Reorder

que / miedo / Tengo / llueva / de

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo miedo de que llueva
Translate to Spanish Translation

I fear that he is angry.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Temo que él esté enfadado.
Choose the right form Multiple Choice

No tengo miedo de ___ solo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estar
Match the fear to the consequence Match Pairs

Match the starts and ends of these sentences:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo miedo de que...no haya comida. | Temo que el tren...llegue tarde. | Me da miedo que tú...me grites.
Fill in the blank Fill in the Blank

Temo que el profesor nos ___ (dar) mucha tarea.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: dé
Correct the sentence Error Correction

Tengo miedo de que mis amigos se van.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo miedo de que mis amigos se vayan.
Translate to Spanish Translation

It scares me that it is dark.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me da miedo que esté oscuro.
Identify the correct structure Multiple Choice

Which one uses the infinitive correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo miedo de caer.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Because fear implies uncertainty about the future outcome.

Only if you are stating a fact, not an emotion.

Use the infinitive. `Temo llegar tarde`.

No, `preocuparse` and `tener miedo` also work.

Yes, you would use the imperfect subjunctive.

The grammar is the same, but 'Me da miedo' is more common.

Using the indicative after 'que'.

Write sentences about your daily worries.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

French high

Subjonctif

French has more irregular subjunctive forms.

German partial

Konjunktiv I/II

German relies more on modal particles.

Japanese low

Conditional/Volitional

Japanese is agglutinative, not inflectional.

Arabic partial

Mansoub

Arabic mood is marked by case endings.

Chinese none

Modal particles

Chinese has no verb conjugation.

Spanish high

Subjuntivo

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Expressing Fear: 'It Scares Me' (Dar miedo que)

Related Videos

8 HEALTHY DOG FOODS RECOMMENDED BY VETERINARIANS 04:26

8 HEALTHY DOG FOODS RECOMMENDED BY VETERINARIANS
7 steps to design your perfect daily routine 13:46

7 steps to design your perfect daily routine
BLOOD GAS ANALYSIS: INTERPRETATION | METABOLIC ACIDOSIS | CLINICAL CASE | MR. DOCTOR CLASSES 20:49

BLOOD GAS ANALYSIS: INTERPRETATION | METABOLIC ACIDOSIS | CLINICAL CASE | MR. DOCTOR CLASSES

Related Grammar Rules

C2

The Fact That... (Subjunctive with el hecho de que)

Overview At the C2 level, you move beyond simple communication and into the realm of rhetorical precision. The phrase `...
B1

Spanish 'I hope you have...' (Present Perfect Subjunctive)

Overview The Spanish **Present Perfect Subjunctive** (`Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo`) is a sophisticated verbal tens...
B1

Past Regrets: Past Perfect Subjunctive (hubiera)

Overview The **Past Perfect Subjunctive** in Spanish, formally known as `el Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo`, i...
B1

Expressing Fear: 'It Scares Me' (Dar miedo que)

Overview Spanish, unlike English, frequently expresses emotions and sensations using verbs that describe something `givi...
C1

Wishing with Ojalá: If only... (Imperfect & Pluperfect)

Overview The word `ojalá` is one of the most powerful and evocative tools in Spanish for expressing wishes, hopes, and...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!