temer
To be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous or cause pain.
Temer is a versatile verb used to express both genuine fear and polite concern regarding unfavorable outcomes.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To feel fear or apprehension regarding a potential threat.
- Used to soften the delivery of bad news politely.
- Indicates a state of worry about future events.
Summary
Temer is a versatile verb used to express both genuine fear and polite concern regarding unfavorable outcomes.
- To feel fear or apprehension regarding a potential threat.
- Used to soften the delivery of bad news politely.
- Indicates a state of worry about future events.
Use Temer for Polite Bad News
When you need to deliver disappointing news, start with 'Me temo que...'. This softens the impact and sounds professional.
Avoid literal translations of fear
Don't confuse 'temer' with 'asustar'. 'Asustar' is to startle someone, while 'temer' is the internal feeling of dread.
Literary usage in Spanish
You will encounter 'temer' frequently in classic Spanish literature and poetry to describe tragic destiny or noble concerns.
Examples
4 of 4Temo a la oscuridad desde que era niño.
I have feared the dark since I was a child.
Temo informarle que su contrato ha terminado.
I fear to inform you that your contract has ended.
Me temo que no tengo cambio.
I'm afraid I don't have change.
El pueblo temía la llegada del invierno.
The village feared the arrival of winter.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'temer' as 'to have a T-remor' in your heart because you are worried about something. It sounds like 'tremor', which is a physical reaction to fear.
Visión general
'Temer' es un verbo transitivo que expresa el estado emocional de sentir miedo hacia algo o alguien que se percibe como una amenaza. A diferencia de otros verbos de miedo, 'temer' a menudo implica una evaluación racional o intuitiva de un riesgo futuro. 2) Patrones de uso: Se puede usar con un sustantivo directo (temer el peligro) o con una oración subordinada (temo que llueva). Cuando se usa con una cláusula, el verbo siguiente suele ir en subjuntivo si existe incertidumbre. 3) Contextos comunes: Es muy común en contextos formales para suavizar malas noticias, como en 'temo informarle que su solicitud fue rechazada'. También aparece en literatura y lenguaje cotidiano para expresar preocupaciones personales sobre el futuro. 4) Comparación: A diferencia de 'tener miedo', que es una construcción más coloquial y física, 'temer' tiene una connotación ligeramente más intelectual o seria. Mientras que 'asustarse' implica una reacción súbita ante algo inesperado, 'temer' sugiere una preocupación prolongada o anticipada.
Usage Notes
Temer is considered a formal verb, often used in professional or literary settings. In casual conversation, native speakers prefer 'tener miedo'. When used in the reflexive form 'temerse', it serves as a polite way to express a negative suspicion or to soften a refusal.
Common Mistakes
Students often use the indicative mood after 'temer que' when expressing a future fear, but the subjunctive is mandatory. Another error is using 'temer' instead of 'asustar' when describing an external action that causes a jump-scare. Remember that 'temer' is about the feeling of dread, not the physical act of scaring someone.
Memory Tip
Think of 'temer' as 'to have a T-remor' in your heart because you are worried about something. It sounds like 'tremor', which is a physical reaction to fear.
Word Origin
The word comes from the Latin 'timere', which means to be afraid. This root is also present in other Romance languages like the French 'craindre' or Italian 'temere'.
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, using 'me temo que' is a very common social strategy. It allows people to maintain harmony by showing empathy while delivering bad news, making it a key phrase for polite social interaction.
Examples
Temo a la oscuridad desde que era niño.
everydayI have feared the dark since I was a child.
Temo informarle que su contrato ha terminado.
formalI fear to inform you that your contract has ended.
Me temo que no tengo cambio.
informalI'm afraid I don't have change.
El pueblo temía la llegada del invierno.
academicThe village feared the arrival of winter.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
no temas
don't be afraid
temer lo peor
to fear the worst
me temo que no
I'm afraid not
Often Confused With
Asustar means to startle or frighten someone else. Temer is an internal feeling of fear or apprehension.
Tener miedo is the standard, informal way to say 'to be afraid'. Temer is more formal and often used in written or professional contexts.
Grammar Patterns
Use Temer for Polite Bad News
When you need to deliver disappointing news, start with 'Me temo que...'. This softens the impact and sounds professional.
Avoid literal translations of fear
Don't confuse 'temer' with 'asustar'. 'Asustar' is to startle someone, while 'temer' is the internal feeling of dread.
Literary usage in Spanish
You will encounter 'temer' frequently in classic Spanish literature and poetry to describe tragic destiny or noble concerns.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta.
Me ___ que no podamos asistir a la fiesta.
El sujeto es 'yo', por lo tanto se usa la primera persona del presente.
Elige el significado correcto.
¿Qué significa la frase 'Me temo lo peor'?
Es una expresión común para indicar una sospecha negativa sobre una situación.
Ordena la frase correctamente.
que / llueva / temo / mañana / .
La estructura estándar es sujeto + verbo + conjunción + oración subordinada.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsAmbos significan lo mismo, pero 'tener miedo' es mucho más común en el habla cotidiana y coloquial. 'Temer' es un término más formal, preciso y literario.
Sí, cuando 'temer' se usa con la conjunción 'que' para expresar un temor sobre una acción ajena, el verbo subordinado debe ir en subjuntivo. Por ejemplo: 'Temo que no lleguen a tiempo'.
No, 'temer' siempre conlleva una carga negativa, ya sea peligro, dolor, pérdida o una mala noticia. Si esperas algo bueno, debes usar 'esperar' o 'desear'.
Sí, existe la forma 'temerse', que se utiliza para expresar una sospecha o corazonada, usualmente sobre algo negativo. Ejemplo: 'Me temo que ya es tarde'.
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
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