Inklingo

How to Say "astonishing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asombroso

ah-som-BROH-soh/a.somˈbɾo.so/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'asombroso' when the astonishing event or sight evokes a strong sense of wonder or amazement, often due to its scale or beauty.
A small child standing on a green hill, looking up in awe and surprise at a gigantic, vibrant rainbow arcing across the bright blue sky.

Examples

La vista desde la montaña es realmente asombrosa.

The view from the mountain is truly amazing.

Obtuvieron resultados asombrosos en el experimento.

They obtained astonishing results in the experiment.

El mago hizo trucos asombrosos que nadie pudo entender.

The magician did amazing tricks that nobody could understand.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'asombroso' is an adjective, its ending must change to match the thing it describes. Use -o for masculine singular (el libro asombroso), -a for feminine singular (la historia asombrosa), -os for masculine plural, and -as for feminine plural.

Forgetting Gender Change

Mistake: “La vista es asombroso.”

Correction: La vista es asombrosa. Remember 'vista' is feminine, so the adjective must end in -a.

sorprendente

/sor-pren-DEN-teh//soɾ.pɾenˈden.te/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'sorprendente' when the astonishment comes from something being unexpected or surprising, even if it is also impressive.
A simple storybook illustration of a small, round creature with wide, astonished eyes and an open mouth, clearly showing a reaction of extreme surprise or shock.

Examples

El regalo de mi abuela fue una sorpresa realmente sorprendente.

My grandmother's gift was a truly surprising surprise.

Los resultados del experimento fueron sorprendentes; nadie los esperaba.

The results of the experiment were surprising; nobody expected them.

Su capacidad para resolver problemas complejos es absolutamente sorprendente.

Her ability to solve complex problems is absolutely astonishing.

Always Stays the Same

Since this adjective ends in '-e', it describes both masculine and feminine nouns without changing form. You only need to change it for plural: 'sorprendentes'.

Causing Surprise vs. Feeling Surprise

Mistake: “Using 'estoy sorprendente' (I am surprising) when you mean 'I feel surprised'.”

Correction: Use 'Estoy sorprendido/a' when you feel the emotion. Use 'sorprendente' only when the thing itself *causes* the surprise.

Asombroso vs. Sorprendente

Learners often use 'asombroso' and 'sorprendente' interchangeably. Remember that 'asombroso' focuses more on the feeling of awe or wonder, while 'sorprendente' emphasizes the unexpected nature of the event.

Related Translations

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