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"Espantar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to frighten", and "asustar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to frighten". Learn more about the difference between "espantar" and "asustar" below.
espantar(
ehs
-
pahn
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to frighten away
Estas velas sirven para espantar a los mosquitos.These candles frighten away mosquitoes.
3. (to horrify)
a. to appall
El aumento en el nivel de delincuencia en el barrio está espantando a la comunidad.The community is appalled by the increasing crime levels in the neighborhood.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be scary
Espanta pensar lo que podría haber ocurrido en aquel sótano.It's scary to think what might have happened in that basement.
espantarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to get frightened
El perro se espantó con los fuegos artificiales.The dog got frightened by the fireworks.
a. to be frightened away
¡Estas moscas no se espantan fácilmente!These flies are not easily frightened away!
a. to be appalled
Vas a espantarte cuando veas el estado de la cocina.You'll be appalled when you see the state the kitchen is in.
asustar(
ah
-
soos
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to alarm)
a. to startle
Un grito espeluznante la asustó mientras dormía.A bloodcurdling scream startled her awake.
asustarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to get frightened
Nos asustamos muchísimo con la explosión de la bomba.We got terribly frightened when the bomb went off.
a. to get worried
Me asusté cuando me di cuenta de que era tarde y María todavía no había llegado.I got worried when I realized that it was late, and María had not arrived yet.
