Portuguese · Emotions & Descriptions
"Scared (afraid)" in Portuguese: com medo
com medo
Note: also: assustado/a
Scared in Portuguese is often com medo: estou com medo. Tenho medo de… names what frightens you. Assustado/a describes looking or feeling startled.
During a storm
Estou com medo desse trovão alto.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce com medo
Say it
kõ MEH-doo
/ˈkõ ˈme.du/
kõ MEH-doo. Assustado is ah-soo-STAH-doo.
"Scared (afraid)" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| com medo | scared / afraid Most common everyday phrase. | Most common everyday phrase. |
| ter medo de | to be afraid of Fear of something. | Fear of something. |
| assustado/a | startled / scared-looking Reaction adjective. | Reaction adjective. |
| medo de altura | fear of heights Specific fear. | Specific fear. |
How to use com medo in real life
- 1During a storm
Estou com medo desse trovão alto.
I'm scared of that loud thunder.
Estar com medo is the core pattern.
- 2Watching a movie
Não assiste sozinha se você fica com medo.
Don't watch alone if you get scared.
Fica com medo = get scared.
- 3Naming a fear
Tenho medo de falar em público.
I'm afraid of speaking in public.
Ter medo de + infinitive.
Mistakes English speakers make with com medo
Incorrect: Eu sou com medo.
Correct: Eu estou com medo.
Use estar com medo for a temporary feeling.
Incorrect: Eu tenho scare.
Correct: Eu tenho medo. / Estou com medo.
Use medo, not English scare.
Good to know
Brazilians talk about medo openly—horror movies, football penalties, first dates. Com medo is honest, not childish. Medroso/a can tease someone as fearful.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Walking home on a dark street
ChatPal
Você está com medo desse beco?
Are you scared of this alley?
You
Um pouco. Fico com medo quando não tem luz.
A little. I get scared when there's no light.
ChatPal
Vamos pela avenida então. Sem medo.
Let's take the avenue then. No fear.
You
Obrigada. Com medo eu ando mais rápido demais.
Thanks. When I'm scared I walk way too fast.
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 Portuguese
Is com medo or assustado better?
Com medo is the feeling of fear. Assustado/a is more startled.
How do I say I'm afraid of…?
Tenho medo de… or Estou com medo de…
How do I say don't be scared?
Não tenha medo. or Não fica com medo.
Does medo change for gender?
Medo is a masculine noun. Assustado/assustada does change.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
