sorprende
sor-PREN-deh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Me sorprende que sepas tanto de eso.
B1It surprises me that you know so much about that.
Él sorprende a todos con su talento.
A2He surprises everyone with his talent.
La tormenta nos sorprende en medio de la carretera.
B2The storm catches us by surprise in the middle of the road.
¡Sorprende a tu madre con un regalo!
A2Surprise your mother with a gift! (Formal command)
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'sorprende' like 'gustar'
When talking about feelings, 'sorprende' often works backward, just like 'gustar' (to like). The thing causing the surprise is the subject. Example: 'Me sorprende el precio' (The price surprises me).
The Subjunctive Mood
If you use 'sorprende' to express a feeling or a reaction about a separate action, the second verb must change into a special form (the subjunctive). Example: 'Me sorprende que él venga' (It surprises me that he comes).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Subject
Mistake: "Yo sorprendo la noticia. (I surprise the news.)"
Correction: La noticia me sorprende. (The news surprises me.) The news is the thing doing the surprising.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Unexpected Events
Use 'sorprende' any time something is unexpected, whether the result is positive ('sorprende con un regalo') or negative ('sorprende la mala calidad').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sorprende
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'sorprende' to mean 'The result surprises me'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'sorprende' and 'sorprendido'?
'Sorprende' is a verb form meaning 'he/she/it surprises' (an action). 'Sorprendido' is an adjective meaning 'surprised' (a state of being). Example: 'La noticia sorprende' (The news surprises) vs. 'Estoy sorprendido' (I am surprised).