What is the difference between spaventa and paura. Can either be used to express fear
Spaventa vs paura

Maxie
March 14, 2021

caterina-rocket-italian-tutor
March 22, 2021
Hi sebongela,
Thanks for your question!
The verb "spaventare" and "fare paura" are interchangeable (in almost every case!).
In fact, you could say:
In other cases, you may wish to use "avere paura" (to be scared of):
Thanks for your question!
The verb "spaventare" and "fare paura" are interchangeable (in almost every case!).
In fact, you could say:
- Quel mostro mi fa paura. (that monster scares me)
- Quel mostro mi spaventa. (that monster scares me)
In other cases, you may wish to use "avere paura" (to be scared of):
- Ho paura di volare (I'm scared of flying).
- Non aver paura di dire ciò che pensi (Don't be scared of saying what you think).