The verb 'sonar' is a 'stem-changing' verb. This means the 'o' in its stem changes to 'ue' for most present tense forms (sueno, suenas, suena, suenan), but it stays as 'o' for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' (sonamos, sonáis). Imagine drawing a boot around the forms that change!

A 'Boot' Verb (o:ue)

You can use 'suena' for almost any sound an object makes. 'Suena la campana' (the bell rings), 'suena el trueno' (the thunder sounds), 'suena la notificación' (the notification sounds).

For Any Kind of Noise

Extremely common. This is the first meaning of 'suena' that most learners encounter.

Using 'sonar' for appearances

This meaning almost always uses a little word like 'me', 'te', or 'le' before it to show *who* is having the feeling. 'Me suena' means 'It sounds familiar *to me*.' '¿Te suena?' means 'Does it sound familiar *to you*?'

Saying Who It Sounds Familiar To

Very common in everyday conversation to express feelings of familiarity or initial opinions.

This meaning is all about context. If you hear 'suena' in a conversation about politics, sports transfers, or job openings, it likely means 'is being mentioned' or 'is rumored'.

Listen for the Context

More specific. Common in news, sports, and business contexts when discussing potential candidates or rumors.

Learn all meanings of the Spanish word 'suena'. From 'it rings' and 'it sounds familiar' to 'it is rumored'. Includes full conjugation tables for 'sonar', examples, and usage tips.

sonar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations