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.

She always smiles when she sees me.

¿Por qué no sonreíste en la foto?

Why didn't you smile in the picture?

El bebé está sonriendo mientras duerme.

The baby is smiling while sleeping.

Word Connections

Synonyms

reír (to laugh)

Antonyms

llorar (to cry)

Common Collocations

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

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedsonríe

yosonrío

túsonríes

ellos/ellas/ustedessonríen

nosotrossonreímos

vosotrossonreís

imperfect

él/ella/ustedsonreía

yosonreía

túsonreías

ellos/ellas/ustedessonreían

nosotrossonreíamos

vosotrossonreíais

preterite

él/ella/ustedsonrió

yosonreí

túsonreíste

ellos/ellas/ustedessonrieron

nosotrossonreímos

vosotrossonreísteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedsonría

yosonría

túsonrías

ellos/ellas/ustedessonrían

nosotrossonriamos

vosotrossonriáis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedsonriera

yosonriera

túsonrieras

ellos/ellas/ustedessonrieran

nosotrossonriéramos

vosotrossonrierais

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

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

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).