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"Dar miedo" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to scare", and "temer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to fear". Learn more about the difference between "dar miedo" and "temer" below.
dar miedo(
dahr
myeh
-
doh
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. to scare
Esa montaña rusa me da miedo. No quiero subirme.That rollercoaster scares me. I don't want to ride it.
b. to frighten
El sonido de la artillería enemiga no le dio miedo a los soldados.The sound of the enemy artillery didn't frighten the soldiers.
c. to give the chills (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Esa casa abandonada me da miedo.That abandoned house gives me the chills.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
temer(
teh
-
mehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to dread)
a. to fear
"Yo no le temo a la muerte", dijo el temerario motociclista."I don't fear death," said the daredevil motorcyclist.
"No hay nada que temer", dijo el mago."There's nothing to fear," said the magician.
b. to be afraid of
Mi hermanito le teme a la oscuridad porque cree en los fantasmas.My little brother is afraid of the dark because he believes in ghosts.
2. (to suspect)
a. to be afraid
Temo que vas a tener que hacer otro pastel. Este se quemó.I'm afraid you'll have to make a new cake. This one is burned.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
3. (to dread)
a. to be afraid
No temas, hijo. Solo fue una pesadilla.Don't be afraid, son. It was just a nightmare.
temerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to regret)
b. to fear
Me temo que tiene razón sobre el resultado del partido.I fear he is right about the score of the game.
