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B1 adjective 15 min read

miedoso

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips miedoso in 30 Seconds

Explanation miedoso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn that 'miedoso' is a basic adjective to describe people and animals. You use it with the verb 'ser' to talk about personality. For example, 'El gato es miedoso.' You should know that it ends in -o for males and -a for females. It's a simple way to describe a character trait in yourself or others. You might use it when talking about why you don't like scary movies or dark rooms. At this stage, just focus on the basic 'Subject + Ser + Miedoso/a' structure.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'miedoso' in more descriptive sentences and with adverbs like 'muy' (very) or 'un poco' (a little). You can compare people: 'Mi hermano es más miedoso que yo.' You also start to recognize the difference between 'ser miedoso' (to be a fearful person) and 'tener miedo' (to feel fear right now). You can use it to describe pets or characters in simple stories. You are also learning to make it plural: 'Los niños miedosos.'

At the B1 level, you understand the nuance of 'miedoso' in various contexts, including social and emotional ones. You can use it to describe why someone hesitates to take risks or try new things. You start to use it in different tenses, like the imperfect to describe how you were as a child: 'De pequeño, yo era muy miedoso.' You also learn common phrases like 'No seas miedoso' to encourage others. You are becoming aware of regional variations like 'miedica' in Spain. Your use of the word becomes more natural and integrated into complex narratives.

At the B2 level, you can use 'miedoso' metaphorically, such as describing a 'miedoso' investor or a 'miedoso' political strategy. You understand the subtle differences between 'miedoso', 'temeroso', and 'asustadizo'. You can use the word as a noun: 'El miedoso siempre llega tarde.' You are comfortable using it in various grammatical structures, including the subjunctive: 'No creo que él sea miedoso.' You also recognize the cultural weight of the word and how it might be perceived in different Spanish-speaking societies.

At the C1 level, you use 'miedoso' with precision, often choosing it or its more sophisticated synonyms (like 'pusilánime' or 'timorato') to achieve a specific tone. You can discuss the psychology of a 'miedoso' character in literature or analyze the 'miedoso' behavior of a population in a sociological context. You understand idiomatic expressions and can use the word in subtle, ironic, or sarcastic ways. Your vocabulary is deep enough to contrast 'miedoso' with 'precavido' (cautious) to defend someone's actions.

At the C2 level, 'miedoso' is part of a vast repertoire of descriptive terms. You can use it in highly formal writing or complex academic discussions about fear and risk. You understand its historical development and its use in classic Spanish literature. You can pick up on very subtle connotations in different dialects and registers. You might use it to critique a complex artistic work or a philosophical argument, appreciating the word's ability to describe a fundamental aspect of the human condition across all levels of discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

miedoso in 30 Seconds

Miedoso means fearful or easily scared, used to describe personality traits in people and animals.
It comes from the noun 'miedo' (fear) and is typically used with the verb 'ser'.
The word must agree in gender and number with the subject: miedoso, miedosa, miedosos, miedosas.
Commonly heard in informal settings as 'miedica' or used to encourage someone with 'no seas miedoso'.

The Spanish word miedoso is a common adjective used to describe someone who is prone to fear, easily frightened, or what we might colloquially call a 'scaredy-cat' in English. It is derived from the noun miedo (fear) combined with the suffix -oso, which typically means 'full of' or 'characterized by.' Therefore, etymologically, someone who is miedoso is 'full of fear.'

Core Meaning: An adjective describing a personality trait or a temporary disposition of being easily intimidated or fearful of many things.

In Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone miedoso can range from a gentle tease among friends to a more pointed critique of someone's lack of courage. It is most frequently used with the verb ser because it often describes an inherent characteristic of a person's personality. For example, if a child is afraid of the dark, ghosts, and loud noises, they are considered miedoso. However, it can also be applied to animals, such as a dog that hides when it hears thunder.

Mi hermano menor es muy miedoso y no quiere entrar a la casa embrujada.

It is important to distinguish miedoso from the verb phrase tener miedo. While tener miedo describes the act of feeling fear in a specific moment ('I am afraid of this spider'), miedoso describes the person's general nature ('I am a fearful person'). This distinction is crucial for learners to grasp the nuance of Spanish descriptive language. When you use miedoso, you are labeling the subject's temperament rather than just their current emotional state.

Furthermore, the word changes according to gender and number. You would use miedosa for a female, miedosos for a group of males or a mixed group, and miedosas for a group of females. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool for description in everyday conversation. Whether you are discussing a character in a movie who constantly flees from danger or a friend who is too nervous to try a new extreme sport, miedoso is the go-to term.

Cultural Nuance: In some Latin American countries, calling a man 'miedoso' can be a challenge to his 'machismo' or bravery, whereas in Spain, it might be used more playfully as 'miedica'.

No seas miedoso, el perro no muerde, solo quiere jugar.

Beyond people and animals, miedoso can sometimes be used metaphorically. For instance, in financial contexts, a 'miedoso' investor is one who is risk-averse and avoids volatile markets. This demonstrates how the word transcends simple childhood fears and enters the realm of adult decision-making and personality assessment. Understanding the breadth of miedoso allows a learner to express complex ideas about caution and timidity across various social and professional scenarios.

El mercado está lleno de inversores miedosos que venden todo al primer signo de crisis.

In summary, miedoso is a foundational adjective for B1 learners. It encapsulates a wide range of human emotions related to fear and caution. By mastering its use with 'ser', its gender/number variations, and its cultural connotations, you can significantly enrich your descriptive capabilities in Spanish. It is a word that appears in literature, daily gossip, parenting, and even economic analysis, making it a vital component of a well-rounded Spanish vocabulary.

Usage Frequency: Extremely high in domestic and informal settings; moderate in professional settings when discussing risk.

Esa película es para gente que no es miedosa; tiene muchos sustos.

Using miedoso effectively requires an understanding of Spanish syntax, particularly the placement of adjectives and the choice of verbs. As an adjective, miedoso usually follows the noun it modifies, though it can precede it for poetic or emphatic effect. However, its most common appearance is as a predicate adjective following the verb ser.

Agreement Rule: The adjective must match the gender and number of the noun it describes: miedoso (masc. sing.), miedosa (fem. sing.), miedosos (masc. plur.), miedosas (fem. plur.).

One of the most frequent structures is [Subject] + [Ser] + [Miedoso]. This describes a permanent or characteristic trait. For example, 'Juan es miedoso' means Juan is a fearful person by nature. If you were to use estar, it would imply a temporary state of fear, but usually, native speakers prefer estar asustado (to be scared) for temporary states. Using estar miedoso is possible but often suggests the person is acting fearful lately or in a specific context.

Desde el accidente, el gato está muy miedoso y no sale de debajo del sofá.

Another common way to use the word is in the negative imperative to encourage someone. Phrases like 'No seas miedoso' (Don't be a scaredy-cat) are ubiquitous. This is often heard in sports, social situations, or when trying new foods. It serves as a motivational, if slightly teasing, nudge. In this context, the adjective acts almost like a noun, identifying the person by their fear.

When describing objects or situations, miedoso is less common; instead, we use aterrador or temible. However, you might describe a 'mirada miedosa' (a fearful look) to indicate the expression on someone's face. This use of the adjective to modify an abstract noun related to a person's demeanor is quite sophisticated and common in literature.

Sentence Structure: [Noun] + [Adjective]: Un niño miedoso. [Verb Ser] + [Adjective]: Ella es miedosa. [Adverb] + [Adjective]: Él es extremadamente miedoso.

Las niñas miedosas se quedaron cerca de la fogata durante el campamento.

In more complex sentences, miedoso can be modified by adverbs of degree like muy (very), bastante (quite), or demasiado (too). For example, 'Eres demasiado miedoso para saltar en paracaídas' (You are too fearful to skydive). This allows for a precise description of the level of fear being exhibited. It can also be used in comparative structures: 'Él es más miedoso que su hermana' (He is more fearful than his sister).

Soy menos miedoso de lo que parezco, solo soy precavido.

Lastly, consider the use of miedoso in questions. '¿Por qué eres tan miedoso?' (Why are you so fearful?) is a direct way to inquire about someone's hesitation. It can also be used in exclamatory sentences to express surprise at someone's reaction: '¡Qué miedoso eres!' (How fearful you are!). These variations show that miedoso is a dynamic part of Spanish speech that adapts to various emotional tones and grammatical needs.

Common Combinations: Ser miedoso por naturaleza (to be fearful by nature), volverse miedoso (to become fearful), un temperamento miedoso (a fearful temperament).

A pesar de ser un perro grande, es el animal más miedoso que he conocido.

The word miedoso is deeply embedded in the daily life of Spanish speakers across the globe. You will encounter it in high-energy social environments, quiet domestic settings, and throughout various media. One of the primary places you'll hear it is in the playground or among children. Kids are often quick to label their peers as miedosos if they hesitate to climb a tree or enter a dark room. In this context, it is a fundamental part of childhood social dynamics.

Domestic Life: Parents often use it to describe their children's fears or to reassure them: 'No seas miedoso, no hay monstruos.'

In television and film, especially in the 'telenovela' genre, miedoso is used to define character archetypes. There is often a comic relief character who is the 'miedoso' of the group, providing humor through their exaggerated reactions to danger. Conversely, a villain might use the word to taunt a hero, attempting to undermine their courage. If you watch Spanish-language horror movies, you'll hear the characters discussing who is the most miedoso before they enter the haunted location.

En la película, el protagonista tiene que dejar de ser miedoso para salvar a su familia.

Social media and internet culture also frequently utilize miedoso. Memes often feature animals—like 'miedoso' cats jumping at cucumbers—or people reacting poorly to pranks. In the comments section of a daring stunt video, you might see users calling each other miedosos for saying they would never try such a thing. It has become a standard tag for content involving scares, pranks, and displays of (a lack of) bravery.

In professional or more formal settings, the word might be replaced by 'temeroso' or 'prudente', but miedoso still slips in during casual office banter. For example, a colleague might call another miedoso for not wanting to ask the boss for a raise. It highlights the word's versatility in describing not just physical fear, but social and professional hesitation as well.

Pop Culture Reference: The character 'El Chapulín Colorado' often says '¡Que no panda el cúnico!' (a play on 'que no cunda el pánico'), often acting as a 'miedoso' hero.

No quiero que piensen que soy miedoso, pero esa montaña rusa parece peligrosa.

Regional variations also play a role in where you hear it. In Mexico, you might hear 'sacón' or 'miedoso' interchangeably in slang. In Spain, 'miedica' is a very common informal substitute. Regardless of the specific region, the root word miedoso remains the standard that everyone understands. It's a word that bridges the gap between formal language and the raw, emotional reality of human fear.

El público llamó miedoso al torero cuando se alejó demasiado del toro.

Finally, in literature and songwriting, miedoso is often used to describe the vulnerability of the human heart. Songs about love frequently describe the protagonist as miedoso when it comes to opening up or falling in love again. This adds a layer of romanticism and emotional depth to the word, proving it is much more than just a label for someone who's afraid of spiders.

Music & Lyrics: Commonly found in boleros and pop ballads to describe a lover's hesitation: 'Corazón miedoso que no sabe amar.'

Soy un miedoso del amor porque no quiero que me rompan el corazón de nuevo.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using miedoso is confusing it with the noun miedo. In English, we say 'I am afraid,' using an adjective. In Spanish, the standard way to express feeling fear is 'Tengo miedo' (I have fear). Beginners often try to say 'Soy miedo' or 'Estoy miedoso' to mean 'I am afraid right now,' which is incorrect or carries a different meaning. Remember: miedoso is who you are, while miedo is what you have.

The 'Ser' vs 'Tener' Trap: Incorrect: 'Estoy miedoso de los perros.' Correct: 'Tengo miedo a los perros' (I'm afraid of dogs) OR 'Soy miedoso' (I am a fearful person).

Another mistake involves gender and number agreement. Because 'miedo' (the noun) is masculine, learners sometimes forget to change the adjective miedoso to match a female subject. Saying 'Ella es miedoso' is a common slip-up. Always ensure the ending matches the person you are describing: miedosa for a woman or girl. Similarly, when talking about a group, you must use the plural form miedosos or miedosas.

Mis hermanas son muy miedosas y no ven películas de terror.

A third mistake is using miedoso to describe a scary situation or object. In English, 'fearful' can sometimes describe something that causes fear (though 'fearsome' is better), but in Spanish, miedoso only describes the person or animal feeling the fear. To describe a scary movie, use de miedo or aterradora. Saying 'una película miedosa' would literally mean 'a movie that is itself afraid,' which makes no sense.

Learners also struggle with the intensity of the word. Calling someone cobarde (coward) is much stronger and more insulting than calling them miedoso. Using cobarde when you mean miedoso can cause unintended offense. Miedoso is often descriptive and can even be empathetic, whereas cobarde is almost always a character judgment. Be careful with the social weight of these synonyms.

Register Confusion: Mixing up 'miedoso' with 'miedica'. 'Miedica' is very informal and common in Spain, but might sound odd in a formal essay or in certain Latin American countries.

Él no es un cobarde, solo es un poco miedoso ante lo desconocido.

Finally, watch out for the preposition that follows when you want to specify the source of fear. While we say 'miedoso de' sometimes, it's much more common to use the adjective alone or use the phrase 'tener miedo a'. For example, 'Soy miedoso con las alturas' (I am fearful with heights) or 'Tengo miedo a las alturas'. Using 'miedoso a' is a frequent mistake influenced by the 'miedo a' construction.

Es un caballo miedoso ante los ruidos fuertes.

In summary, the most common mistakes are: 1) Using 'estar' instead of 'ser' for personality traits, 2) Forgetting gender/number agreement, 3) Using it to describe scary things instead of scared people, 4) Confusing it with 'cobarde', and 5) Using the wrong prepositions. Avoiding these will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.

Quick Fixes: Always check: Is the person female? Use miedosa. Is it a trait? Use ser. Is it a scary movie? Use 'de miedo'.

Spanish offers a rich palette of words to describe fear and timidity, each with its own nuance. While miedoso is the most general and common term, knowing its alternatives will help you express yourself with greater precision. Depending on the level of fear, the cause, and the formality of the situation, you might choose a different word.

Cobarde vs. Miedoso: 'Cobarde' (coward) implies a lack of moral courage or failure to act when needed. 'Miedoso' is more about the emotional feeling of fear. A 'miedoso' person might still be brave if they act despite their fear, but a 'cobarde' fails to act.

For a more formal or literary tone, you might use temeroso. This word often appears in religious or official contexts, such as 'temeroso de Dios' (God-fearing). It carries a weight of respect or profound anxiety that miedoso lacks. Another formal option is pusilánime, which describes someone with very little spirit or courage—essentially a 'faint-hearted' person.

El caballero no era miedoso, sino temeroso de las consecuencias de la guerra.

In informal contexts, especially in Spain, miedica is a very popular alternative. It is the direct equivalent of 'scaredy-cat' and is used almost exclusively in casual conversation. In some Latin American countries, you might hear sacón (Mexican slang) or culillo (vulgar slang in the Caribbean/Colombia) to describe someone who is chicken or fearful.

If someone is easily startled, the word asustadizo is the best choice. This specifically describes the tendency to jump at loud noises or sudden movements. While a miedoso person might be afraid of the future or abstract concepts, an asustadizo person is physically reactive to their environment.

Comparison Table

Miedoso: General, personality-based fear.
Asustadizo: Easily startled by immediate stimuli.
Temeroso: Formal, often implies respect or deep worry.
Miedica: Informal, playful 'scaredy-cat'.
Pusilánime: Academic/Literary, lack of spirit.

Mi perro es asustadizo; salta cada vez que suena el timbre.

Another interesting alternative is timorato. This describes someone who is excessively timid or shy, often due to a fear of doing something wrong or breaking rules. It's a great word for describing a 'meek' personality. On the other end of the spectrum, if you want to describe someone who is 'fearless,' you would use valiente, atrevido, or intrépido.

A diferencia de su socio miedoso, ella es una empresaria intrépida.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your language to the specific type of fear you're describing. Whether it's the playful 'miedica' in a game with friends or the formal 'pusilánime' in a historical analysis, having these options makes your Spanish more nuanced and expressive. Always consider the context and the relationship you have with the person you are describing before choosing between miedoso and its alternatives.

Antonyms to Know: Valiente (brave), Osado (daring), Audaz (bold), Denodado (determined/fearless).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-oso' is one of the most productive in Spanish, turning nouns like 'miedo' (fear) into adjectives like 'miedoso' (fearful), just like 'fama' (fame) becomes 'famoso' (famous).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mjeˈðoso/

US /mjeˈðoso/

The stress is on the second-to-last syllable: mie-DO-so.

Rhymes With

hermoso famoso reposo curioso nervioso ansioso ruidoso precioso

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as four syllables (mi-e-do-so) instead of three (mie-do-so).
Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd' in 'dog'.
Forgetting the 'i' sound in the first syllable.
Adding an 'e' sound at the beginning (emiedoso).
Stressing the first syllable (MIE-doso).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the common root 'miedo'.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Speaking 3/5

The 'mie' diphthong can be tricky for some beginners.

Listening 2/5

Very common word, easy to pick up in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

miedo ser asustado persona perro

Learn Next

valiente temeroso asustadizo cobarde película de terror

Advanced

pusilánime timorato amedrentar pavor pánico

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

El gato miedoso / Las gatas miedosas.

Ser vs Estar

Él es miedoso (trait) vs Él está asustado (temporary state).

Diphthongs

The 'ie' in miedoso is a diphthong and stays in one syllable.

Negative Imperative

No seas miedoso (uses the subjunctive 'seas').

Suffix -oso

Turns nouns into adjectives (miedo -> miedoso).

Examples by Level

Yo soy miedoso.

I am fearful.

Subject + verb 'ser' + masculine adjective.

El perro es miedoso.

The dog is fearful.

Describing an animal's personality.

Ella no es miedosa.

She is not fearful.

Negative sentence with feminine agreement.

¿Eres miedoso?

Are you fearful?

Simple question structure.

Mi gato es muy miedoso.

My cat is very fearful.

Using 'muy' to intensify the adjective.

Nosotros no somos miedosos.

We are not fearful.

Plural masculine agreement.

La niña es miedosa.

The girl is fearful.

Feminine singular agreement.

Ellas son miedosas.

They (fem.) are fearful.

Plural feminine agreement.

Mi hermano es más miedoso que yo.

My brother is more fearful than I am.

Comparative structure: más + adjective + que.

No me gustan las películas de terror porque soy miedosa.

I don't like horror movies because I am fearful.

Giving a reason using 'porque'.

Ese niño es un poco miedoso con los extraños.

That boy is a little fearful with strangers.

Using 'un poco' to soften the description.

Mis amigos miedosos no quisieron subir a la montaña rusa.

My fearful friends didn't want to go on the roller coaster.

Adjective modifying a plural noun.

¿Por qué eres tan miedoso hoy?

Why are you so fearful today?

Using 'tan' for emphasis in a question.

El conejo es un animal muy miedoso.

The rabbit is a very fearful animal.

Describing a species trait.

Ella era miedosa cuando era pequeña.

She was fearful when she was little.

Imperfect tense for past characteristics.

No seas miedoso y entra al agua.

Don't be a scaredy-cat and get in the water.

Negative imperative (tú form).

Aunque parece valiente, en el fondo es bastante miedoso.

Although he seems brave, deep down he is quite fearful.

Contrast using 'aunque'.

Me volví miedoso después de aquel accidente de coche.

I became fearful after that car accident.

Verb 'volverse' to indicate a change in personality.

Es normal ser miedoso cuando vas a un lugar nuevo solo.

It's normal to be fearful when you go to a new place alone.

Infinitive 'ser' used as a noun phrase.

Su actitud miedosa impidió que el equipo ganara el partido.

His fearful attitude prevented the team from winning the match.

Adjective modifying an abstract noun 'actitud'.

No quiero que pienses que soy un miedoso.

I don't want you to think that I am a fearful person.

Subjunctive 'pienses' after 'querer que'.

La gente miedosa suele evitar los deportes de riesgo.

Fearful people usually avoid extreme sports.

Generalizing using 'la gente' (singular) or plural nouns.

Siempre ha sido miedoso, no creo que cambie ahora.

He has always been fearful; I don't think he'll change now.

Present perfect tense for a lasting state.

Si no fueras tan miedoso, te divertirías más.

If you weren't so fearful, you would have more fun.

Second conditional: imperfect subjunctive + conditional.

Un inversor miedoso prefiere la seguridad a la rentabilidad.

A fearful investor prefers security over profitability.

Metaphorical use in finance.

El gobierno actuó de forma miedosa ante la crisis internacional.

The government acted in a fearful manner during the international crisis.

Adverbial phrase 'de forma miedosa'.

Es un relato miedoso que explora la fragilidad humana.

It is a fearful tale that explores human fragility.

Describing the tone of a narrative.

No podemos permitirnos tener un líder miedoso en estos tiempos.

We cannot afford to have a fearful leader in these times.

Using 'permitirse' with an infinitive.

Se mostró miedoso al principio, pero luego recuperó la confianza.

He appeared fearful at first, but then regained his confidence.

Verb 'mostrarse' to describe appearance/behavior.

Su mirada miedosa delataba que estaba ocultando algo.

His fearful look betrayed that he was hiding something.

Adjective modifying 'mirada'.

A pesar de su fama de miedoso, salvó al niño del incendio.

Despite his reputation for being fearful, he saved the child from the fire.

Noun phrase 'fama de miedoso'.

Cualquier persona miedosa se habría marchado de allí de inmediato.

Any fearful person would have left there immediately.

Conditional perfect tense.

La política exterior del país ha sido calificada de miedosa por los analistas.

The country's foreign policy has been described as fearful by analysts.

Passive voice with 'ser calificada de'.

Su carácter miedoso es un lastre para sus ambiciones profesionales.

His fearful character is a burden on his professional ambitions.

Using 'lastre' (burden) in a complex sentence.

No es que sea miedoso, es que su prudencia raya en la parálisis.

It's not that he's fearful, it's that his prudence borders on paralysis.

Nuanced contrast using 'No es que... es que...'.

El autor retrata a un protagonista miedoso que lucha contra sus demonios internos.

The author portrays a fearful protagonist struggling against his internal demons.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

Esa respuesta miedosa solo servirá para envalentonar a sus rivales.

That fearful response will only serve to embolden his rivals.

Future tense with a focus on consequences.

Bajo esa fachada de tipo duro se esconde un hombre profundamente miedoso.

Under that tough-guy facade hides a deeply fearful man.

Metaphorical 'fachada'.

La sociedad se ha vuelto miedosa ante los cambios tecnológicos vertiginosos.

Society has become fearful in the face of dizzying technological changes.

Describing collective social psychology.

Su miedosa negativa a participar fue malinterpretada como desinterés.

His fearful refusal to participate was misinterpreted as lack of interest.

Adjective modifying the noun 'negativa'.

El discurso, de una miedosa vacuidad, no convenció a nadie en la asamblea.

The speech, of a fearful vacuity, convinced no one in the assembly.

Highly formal/literary phrasing.

Aquel silencio miedoso que precedía a la tormenta nos puso los pelos de punta.

That fearful silence that preceded the storm made our hair stand on end.

Personification of 'silencio'.

La deriva miedosa de la directiva amenaza con hundir la empresa.

The board's fearful drift threatens to sink the company.

Abstract noun 'deriva' (drift/path).

Resulta paradójico que un soldado tan condecorado sea tan miedoso en la vida civil.

It is paradoxical that such a decorated soldier is so fearful in civilian life.

Complex logical structure with 'Resulta paradójico'.

Su miedosa adhesión a las normas del pasado le impide innovar.

His fearful adherence to the rules of the past prevents him from innovating.

Sophisticated use of 'adhesión'.

En la penumbra, cada sombra adquiría una forma miedosa y amenazante.

In the gloom, every shadow took on a fearful and threatening form.

Descriptive literary style.

La miedosa reacción de los mercados ante el rumor fue totalmente desproporcionada.

The markets' fearful reaction to the rumor was completely disproportionate.

Economic/Formal register.

No debemos caer en la miedosa tentación de sacrificar libertades por seguridad.

We must not fall into the fearful temptation of sacrificing freedoms for security.

Political/Philosophical discourse.

Common Collocations

niño miedoso

perro miedoso

ser un miedoso

actitud miedosa

mirada miedosa

extremadamente miedoso

un poco miedoso

corazón miedoso

inversor miedoso

gente miedosa

Common Phrases

No seas miedoso.

— Don't be a scaredy-cat. Used to encourage someone to be brave.

No seas miedoso, el agua está perfecta.

Soy muy miedoso.

— I am very fearful. A common way to describe one's own personality.

Soy muy miedoso, no puedo ver esa película.

Es un miedoso de primera.

— He is a top-tier scaredy-cat. Used for emphasis.

Juan es un miedoso de primera, se asusta hasta de su sombra.

Miedoso como un conejo.

— Fearful like a rabbit. A common comparison.

Salió corriendo, es miedoso como un conejo.

El más miedoso del grupo.

— The most fearful one in the group.

Yo siempre era el más miedoso del grupo de amigos.

Hacerse el miedoso.

— To act like one is scared (sometimes used sarcastically).

No te hagas el miedoso, que sé que eres valiente.

Un silencio miedoso.

— A fearful silence. Used in literature to describe a tense atmosphere.

Había un silencio miedoso en la casa vieja.

Miedoso ante el cambio.

— Fearful in the face of change.

Es un equipo miedoso ante el cambio de táctica.

Parecer miedoso.

— To seem or look fearful.

No quiero parecer miedoso delante de mi jefe.

Volverse miedoso con la edad.

— To become more fearful as one gets older.

Mi abuelo se ha vuelto miedoso con la edad.

Often Confused With

miedoso vs asustado

Asustado is a temporary state (I am scared right now), whereas miedoso is a personality trait (I am a scaredy-cat).

miedoso vs miedo

Miedo is the noun (fear). You 'have' fear (tener miedo), you don't 'be' fear.

miedoso vs cobarde

Cobarde is much more insulting and implies a moral failure, not just a feeling of fear.

Idioms & Expressions

"Ser un gallina"

— To be a chicken. Very similar to miedoso but more idiomatic.

¡No seas un gallina y salta!

informal

"Tener el corazón en un puño"

— To be extremely anxious or fearful (literally: to have the heart in a fist).

Estaba miedoso, con el corazón en un puño.

neutral

"Temblar como un flan"

— To shake like jelly/pudding out of fear.

Es tan miedoso que tiembla como un flan ante los exámenes.

informal

"Faltarle el aliento"

— To be so scared one loses their breath.

El miedoso se quedó sin aliento al ver el fantasma.

neutral

"Estar cagado de miedo"

— To be scared shitless. Very vulgar but common.

Estaba miedoso, estaba cagado de miedo.

vulgar

"No llegarle la camisa al cuerpo"

— To be terrified or extremely worried.

Es tan miedoso que no le llegaba la camisa al cuerpo.

informal

"Ponerse blanco como la pared"

— To turn white as a wall from fear.

El niño miedoso se puso blanco como la pared.

neutral

"Hacerse pipí de miedo"

— To pee oneself from fear.

Era tan miedoso que casi se hizo pipí de miedo.

informal

"Tener miedo hasta de su propia sombra"

— To be afraid of even one's own shadow.

Ese perro es miedoso, tiene miedo hasta de su sombra.

informal

"Quedarse de piedra"

— To be frozen with fear or shock.

El miedoso se quedó de piedra al oír el grito.

neutral

Easily Confused

miedoso vs temeroso

Both mean fearful.

Temeroso is more formal and often implies a sense of awe or deep worry, whereas miedoso is common and can be childish.

Es un hombre temeroso de la ley.

miedoso vs asustadizo

Both relate to fear.

Asustadizo means 'easily startled' by physical things like noise, while miedoso is more about the general feeling of being afraid.

Mi perro es asustadizo con los petardos.

miedoso vs miedica

Both mean scaredy-cat.

Miedica is slang/colloquial and used mostly in Spain, while miedoso is standard Spanish.

¡Eres un miedica!

miedoso vs timorato

Both mean timid/fearful.

Timorato implies being overly cautious due to fear of doing something wrong, often in a moral sense.

Su proceder timorato le impidió actuar.

miedoso vs precavido

People often call cautious people 'miedosos'.

Precavido is positive (cautious/prepared), while miedoso is usually seen as negative or weak.

No soy miedoso, soy precavido.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + ser + miedoso/a

Yo soy miedoso.

[Subject] + ser + muy/un poco + miedoso/a

Ella es muy miedosa.

No seas + miedoso/a

No seas miedoso.

De pequeño/a, + [Subject] + era + miedoso/a

De pequeño, yo era miedoso.

Un/una [Noun] + miedoso/a

Un inversor miedoso.

A pesar de ser + miedoso/a

A pesar de ser miedoso, saltó.

Su carácter + miedoso

Su carácter miedoso le limita.

[Noun Abstracto] + miedoso/a

Un silencio miedoso.

Word Family

Nouns

miedo (fear)

mieditis (slang for extreme fear/hesitation)

Verbs

amedrentar (to intimidate/scare)

atemorizar (to frighten)

Adjectives

miedoso (fearful)

miedosa (fearful, fem.)

miedica

temor

asustado

pavor

espanto

How to Use It

frequency

Common in all Spanish-speaking countries.

Common Mistakes

Estoy miedoso. → Tengo miedo.
To say 'I am afraid' in a specific moment, use 'tener miedo'. 'Soy miedoso' means 'I am a fearful person'.
La película es miedosa. → La película es de miedo.
Miedoso describes people/animals, not things that cause fear.
Ella es miedoso. → Ella es miedosa.
Adjectives must agree in gender with the subject.
Soy miedo. → Tengo miedo.
Miedo is a noun, you cannot 'be' fear.
Los niños son miedoso. → Los niños son miedosos.
Adjectives must agree in number with the subject.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Don't forget to change the ending to -a, -os, or -as. It's a common mistake for English speakers who are used to adjectives not changing.

Use with Pets

This is a great word for describing animals. If a dog hides during fireworks, he is 'un perro miedoso'.

Softening the Blow

If you want to call someone fearful without being mean, add 'un poco' (a little) before 'miedoso'.

Noun Use

You can use 'miedoso' as a noun: 'El miedoso no quiso saltar.' This means 'The fearful one didn't want to jump.'

The Soft 'D'

The 'd' in miedoso is between vowels, so it should be very soft, almost like the 'th' in 'then'.

Miedica in Spain

If you are in Spain, 'miedica' is the word you'll hear most often in casual settings instead of 'miedoso'.

Literary Personification

In creative writing, try using 'miedoso' to describe objects, like 'una luz miedosa' (a flickering, weak light), to create atmosphere.

Root Recognition

Any time you see 'mied-' in a Spanish word, it probably has something to do with fear. This helps you guess meanings of new words.

Formal Situations

In a job interview or formal speech, avoid 'miedoso'. Use 'prudente' (cautious) or 'temeroso' if you must discuss fear.

Encouragement

Use 'No seas miedoso' to encourage your friends to try new things. It's a very natural Spanish phrase.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Miedoso' person saying 'Me? Oh, so... scared!' The 'mie' sounds like 'me' and 'doso' sounds like 'oh so'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant mouse (miedo) chasing a person who is 'miedoso'. The person is running away while looking back with big eyes.

Word Web

miedo miedoso miedosa ser cobarde asustado temor valiente

Challenge

Try to describe three things you were 'miedoso' about as a child using the phrase 'De pequeño, yo era miedoso con...'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Spanish noun 'miedo' (fear), which comes from the Latin 'metus' (fear, dread).

Original meaning: The Latin 'metus' referred to a state of anxiety or apprehension about a future event.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Avoid calling adults 'miedoso' in professional or serious conflict situations as it can sound patronizing or insulting.

The closest English equivalent is 'scaredy-cat' for informal use, or 'fearful' for general use.

The Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz is often described as 'El León Miedoso'. Scooby-Doo is the ultimate 'perro miedoso'. Courage the Cowardly Dog is translated as 'Agallas, el perro cobarde', but he is definitely 'miedoso'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Talking about pets

Mi perro es miedoso.
Un gato miedoso.
Se asusta de todo.
Es muy asustadizo.

Watching movies

Soy miedosa con el cine de terror.
No seas miedoso, es solo una película.
La escena más miedosa.
Me da miedo.

Childhood memories

De niño era miedoso.
Tenía miedo a la oscuridad.
Era un miedica.
Mis padres me decían que no fuera miedoso.

Financial risk

Un inversor miedoso.
El mercado está miedoso.
No arriesgar por ser miedoso.
Actitud conservadora.

Encouraging someone

No seas miedoso.
¡Atrévete!
No hay nada que temer.
Tú puedes, no seas miedica.

Conversation Starters

"¿Eras miedoso cuando eras niño o eras valiente?"

"¿Con qué cosas eres más miedoso en la actualidad?"

"¿Tienes algún amigo que sea extremadamente miedoso?"

"¿Crees que los perros pequeños son más miedosos que los grandes?"

"¿Qué película le recomendarías a alguien que no es miedoso?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una situación en la que te sentiste miedoso pero actuaste de todos modos.

Escribe sobre un personaje de un libro o película que sea miedoso y cómo cambia.

¿Crees que ser miedoso es algo malo o simplemente una forma de ser precavido?

Haz una lista de las tres cosas que te hacen sentir más miedoso y por qué.

Imagina que tienes que convencer a una persona miedosa para que haga paracaidismo. ¿Qué le dirías?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it's less common than 'ser miedoso'. Using 'estar' suggests that someone is acting fearful lately or in a specific situation, rather than it being their personality. For example, 'Está miedoso desde la tormenta' (He's been acting fearful since the storm).

It can be, but it's often used playfully or descriptively. Among children, it's a common tease. Among adults, it depends on the tone and context. Calling a professional 'miedoso' regarding their work is likely an insult.

The feminine is 'miedosa'. For example: 'Mi madre es miedosa'.

The most common ways are 'miedoso' or the more informal 'miedica' (especially in Spain) and 'gallina' (chicken).

Think of 'ser' vs 'estar'. 'Ser miedoso' is who you are (fearful person). 'Estar asustado' is how you feel right now (scared).

No. For a scary movie, you say 'una película de miedo'. 'Una película miedosa' would mean the movie itself is afraid.

It is understood, but it's much more common in Spain. In Latin America, people usually stick to 'miedoso' or use local slang like 'sacón'.

You should say 'Tengo miedo a las arañas'. You can also say 'Soy miedoso con las arañas', but the first one is more common.

The most common opposite is 'valiente' (brave).

Yes, it is a very common word that every Spanish speaker knows and uses frequently.