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sonreír

sohn-ray-EERson.reˈiɾ

“sonreír” means “to smile” in Spanish (showing happiness or amusement).

to smile

Also: to grin
VerbA1irregular (accents and stem changes) ir
A simple illustration of a round, friendly face showing a clear, happy smile.
infinitivesonreír
gerundsonriendo
past Participlesonreído

📝 In Action

Ella siempre sonríe cuando me ve.

A1

She always smiles when she sees me.

¿Por qué no sonreíste en la foto?

A2

Why didn't you smile in the picture?

El bebé está sonriendo mientras duerme.

A2

The baby is smiling while sleeping.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • reír (to laugh)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • sonreír con los ojos – to smile with one's eyes
  • sonreír de oreja a oreja – to grin from ear to ear

Indicative

Present

yosonrío
túsonríes
él/ella/ustedsonríe
nosotrossonreímos
vosotrossonreís
ellos/ellas/ustedessonríen

Imperfect

yosonreía
túsonreías
él/ella/ustedsonreía
nosotrossonreíamos
vosotrossonreíais
ellos/ellas/ustedessonreían

Preterite

yosonreí
túsonreíste
él/ella/ustedsonrió
nosotrossonreímos
vosotrossonreísteis
ellos/ellas/ustedessonrieron

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

yosonría
túsonrías
él/ella/ustedsonría
nosotrossonriamos
vosotrossonriáis
ellos/ellas/ustedessonrían

Imperfect Subjunctive

yosonriera
túsonrieras
él/ella/ustedsonriera
nosotrossonriéramos
vosotrossonrierais
ellos/ellas/ustedessonrieran
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "sonreír" in Spanish:

to grin→to smile→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: sonreír

Question 1 of 2

Which form of 'sonreír' correctly completes the sentence: 'Yo siempre ______ cuando recuerdo ese viaje.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
risa(laughter / laugh) — Noun
risueño(smiling / cheerful) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
reíroír
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'sonreír' is formed by combining the prefix 'sub-' (meaning below or slightly) and the verb 'reír' (to laugh). Literally, it means 'to laugh slightly' or 'under a laugh,' which perfectly captures the gentle action of smiling.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: sorrirFrench: sourire

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'sonreír' a reflexive verb? Do I use 'me sonrío'?

'Sonreír' is generally NOT reflexive. You simply say 'Yo sonrío' (I smile). The reflexive form ('me sonrío') is only used in very specific, regional contexts or to emphasize the action being done to oneself, but stick to the non-reflexive form for 99% of conversations.

What is the difference between 'sonreír' and 'reír'?

'Sonreír' means to smile (a quiet expression of happiness). 'Reír' means to laugh (an audible, often loud expression of happiness).