sorprendido
sohr-prehn-DEE-doh
📝 In Action
Estaba muy sorprendido cuando ganamos el premio mayor.
A2I was very surprised when we won the main prize.
La noticia dejó a la gente sorprendida.
B1The news left the people surprised.
¿Estás sorprendida? ¡Te lo dije que vendría!
A2Are you surprised? I told you she would come!
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Number Agreement
As an adjective, 'sorprendido' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'El niño está sorprendido' (m.), 'La niña está sorprendida' (f.), 'Los niños están sorprendidos' (m. plural).
Using ESTAR
You almost always use 'estar' (to be) with 'sorprendido' because it describes a temporary emotion or a current state, not a permanent characteristic.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using SER instead of ESTAR
Mistake: "Soy sorprendido. (I am surprised.)"
Correction: Estoy sorprendido. (I am surprised.) The emotion of surprise is temporary, so you must use 'estar'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Showing the Cause
To say what caused the surprise, use the preposition 'por' or 'con': 'Sorprendido por el regalo' (Surprised by the gift).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sorprendido
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly describes a feeling using 'sorprendido'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'sorprendido' and 'sorprendente'?
'Sorprendido' describes the person *feeling* the surprise (the passive state: 'I am surprised'). 'Sorprendente' describes the thing that *causes* the surprise (the active quality: 'The movie was surprising').
Does 'sorprendido' have a negative or positive meaning?
It is neutral and depends entirely on the context. You can be 'sorprendido' by a wonderful gift or 'sorprendido' by bad news.