Tener miedo vs. temer
In Spanish, 'tener miedo' and 'temer' both relate to feelings of fear. However, they are used differently in sentences based on context.
Tener miedo
'Tener miedo' means 'to be afraid' or 'to have fear'. It literally translates to 'to have fear', making it more about a state of being.
Tengo miedo de las arañas.
(I am afraid of spiders.)
Ella tiene miedo de volar en avión.
(She is afraid of flying on airplanes.)
Nosotros teníamos miedo durante la tormenta.
(We were afraid during the storm.)
Temer
'Temer' means 'to fear' and is often used in a more general or abstract sense. It implies a deep concern or dread about something.
Él teme perder su trabajo.
(He fears losing his job.)
Tememos que el proyecto no se complete a tiempo.
(We fear that the project will not be completed on time.)
Temo por la seguridad de mi familia.
(I fear for the safety of my family.)
Summary
'Tener miedo' describes a state of being afraid and typically uses tangible or immediate causes of fear. 'Temer', on the other hand, is used for more abstract, general fears and concerns.