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"Tener miedo" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be afraid", and "asustarse" is a pronominal verb which is often translated as "to get frightened". Learn more about the difference between "tener miedo" and "asustarse" below.
tener miedo(
teh
-
nehr
myeh
-
doh
)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.).
1. (general)
b. to be scared
Tenía demasiado miedo para ver los resultados de su prueba.She was too scared to look at her test results.
asustarse(
ah
-
soos
-
tahr
-
seh
)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.
asustar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
4. (to alarm)
a. to startle
Un grito espeluznante la asustó mientras dormía.A bloodcurdling scream startled her awake.
