tememos

Tememos is the first-person plural present indicative form of the Spanish verb temer. Temor means fear, so tememos translates to “we fear” or “we are afraid (of).” The verb temer is a regular -er verb, with the full present tense paradigm: temo, temes, teme, tememos, teméis, temen.

Usage and meaning

Tememos is used to express concern or anxiety about a situation, event, or possibility in the present or near future. The usual construction is tememos + que + [subjunctive clause], to indicate fear about something that might happen: Tememos que la economía empeore. Tememos que lleguen tarde. The subordinate clause typically uses the present or imperfect subjunctive, depending on the time reference. Tememos también a veces + infinitive, especially in more formal or literary contexts, to express fear of performing an action: Tememos perder nuestra libertad. In ordinary speech, tememos que + subjunctive remains the preferred form.

Notes and related terms

Temer expresses fear or apprehension and can be paired with synonyms such as tener miedo de, preocuparse por, or estar preocupado por. The verb is used across formal and informal registers, including news reporting, opinions, and personal statements. As a root, temer is etymologically linked to the Latin timēre, reflecting its meaning of fear or suspicion.

Examples

- Tememos que la propuesta no reciba suficiente apoyo.

- Tememos perder el tren si no salimos a tiempo.