Italian Phrase
Ho paura di sbagliare.
Meaning
Literally, 'I have fear of making a mistake.' It is the standard way to say you are afraid of getting something wrong, whether in a test, a conversation, or any activity where accuracy matters.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to express anxiety about a possible error—before an exam, when learning a new skill, or when you’re about to speak in public. It works in both formal and informal contexts, though a more colloquial version exists.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hopauradisbagliare
Ho (present of avere)
In Italian, the verb avere is used to express states and feelings, similar to 'I have' in English.
paura (noun)
A feminine noun meaning 'fear' or 'afraid'. It follows the verb and does not need an article here.
di (preposition)
The preposition that links a feeling verb to an infinitive, equivalent to 'of' in English.
sbagliare (infinitive)
The infinitive form of the verb 'to make a mistake'. After 'paura di' the infinitive is required.
🗨In Conversation
Hai paura di sbagliare?
Are you afraid of making a mistake?
Sì, ma sto provando a superare la paura.
Yes, but I’m trying to overcome the fear.
✕Common Mistakes
Ho paura a sbagliare.
The preposition after 'paura' is always 'di', not 'a'.
Ho paura di sbagliato.
After 'paura di' you need the infinitive, not the past participle.
Ho paura di sbaglio.
Use the infinitive 'sbagliare', not the first‑person present 'sbaglio'.
↔Alternatives
Temo di fare errori.
I’m afraid of making errors.
Ho timore di sbagliare.
I have a fear of making a mistake.
Mi spaventa sbagliare.
It scares me to make a mistake.
Cultural Tip
In everyday Italian, people often shorten the expression to 'Mi spaventa sbagliare' for a more informal tone. In formal writing or when speaking to a teacher, 'Ho paura di sbagliare' is preferred. Remember that Italians rarely use the verb 'avere' with a direct object for emotions; the structure 'ho + noun + di + infinitive' is the idiomatic pattern.