Italian · Emotions & Descriptions
"Scared (afraid)" in Italian: spaventato/a
spaventato/a
Note: "I'm scared": ho paura
Scared in Italian is spaventato/a (spah-ven-TAH-toh). Agree with gender: sono spaventato / sono spaventata. Ho paura means I'm scared as a feeling phrase, but the adjective headword is spaventato.
After a loud noise
Sono spaventato: cos'era quel botto?Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce spaventato/a
Say it
spah-ven-TAH-toh
/spa.venˈta.to/
spah-ven-TAH-toh / spah-ven-TAH-tah. Stress on TAH.
"Scared (afraid)" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| spaventato / spaventata | scared, frightened Adjective after essere. | Adjective after essere. |
| spaventati / spaventate | scared (plural) Groups. | Groups. |
| essere spaventato | to be scared State of fear. | State of fear. |
| ho paura | I'm scared / I'm afraid Very common alternative phrasing. | Very common alternative phrasing. |
How to use spaventato/a in real life
- 1After a loud noise
Sono spaventato: cos'era quel botto?
I'm scared: what was that bang?
Spaventato after sono.
- 2Watching a film
Lei è spaventata ma vuole continuare.
She's scared but wants to keep watching.
Spaventata feminine.
- 3Comforting a child
Non essere spaventato: è solo il vento.
Don't be scared: it's only the wind.
Imperative with essere.
Mistakes English speakers make with spaventato/a
Incorrect: Sono spaventata. (said by a man about himself)
Correct: Sono spaventato.
Match gender: -o masculine, -a feminine.
Incorrect: Sono paura.
Correct: Sono spaventato. / Ho paura.
Paura is a noun. Use spaventato or ho paura.
Good to know
Italians often reach for ho paura in speech, while spaventato paints the visible state—pale, jumpy, after a scare. News and films use spaventato for shock after accidents or storms.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
A sudden thunderstorm on a hike
ChatPal
Sei spaventato dal tuono?
Are you scared of the thunder?
You
Un po'. Sono spaventato, ma resto con te.
A bit. I'm scared, but I'm staying with you.
ChatPal
Anch'io ero spaventata al primo lampo.
I was scared too at the first flash.
You
Andiamo sotto l'albero. Non stare spaventato da solo.
Let's go under the tree. Don't stay scared alone.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Scared (afraid)" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Scared (afraid)" in Italian
How does gender work?
Spaventato / spaventata, and plural spaventati / spaventate.
Is ho paura the same?
Similar meaning, different structure. Spaventato is the adjective.
How do I say I'm scared?
Sono spaventato/a, or ho paura.
Can it mean startled?
Yes—after a sudden fright, spaventato fits well.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
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- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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