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How to Say "awe" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asombro

ah-SOHM-brohaˈsombɾo

nounB1general
Use 'asombro' when you want to express a feeling of great wonder, amazement, or surprise, often in response to something impressive or unexpected.
A young child with wide eyes and mouth open in wonder, looking up at a glowing, magical butterfly.

Examples

El niño miraba las estrellas con asombro.

The child looked at the stars with awe.

Miró el gran pastel con asombro.

He looked at the large cake with amazement.

Para asombro de todos, el niño resolvió el problema.

To everyone's astonishment, the boy solved the problem.

Su voz era tan hermosa que causó un asombro general.

Her voice was so beautiful that it caused general wonder.

Describing 'How' with Asombro

To say you did something 'amazedly,' use the phrase 'con asombro' (with amazement).

It's a masculine noun

Always use 'el asombro' or 'un asombro.' The ending '-o' is a helpful hint that it's masculine.

Confusing Nouns and Verbs

Mistake: “Yo asombro cuando veo eso.”

Correction: Me asombro cuando veo eso (I am amazed) or 'Siento asombro' (I feel amazement).

temor reverencial

nounB2formal
Use 'temor reverencial' to describe a specific type of awe that includes a sense of respectful fear or apprehension, often towards someone or something of authority or great significance.

Examples

Sentía temor reverencial ante la imponente figura del director.

He felt awe (respectful fear) before the imposing figure of the director.

Asombro vs. Temor Reverencial

Learners often confuse 'asombro' and 'temor reverencial' by using 'temor reverencial' for simple amazement. Remember, 'temor reverencial' specifically implies a component of fear or apprehension mixed with respect, not just wonder.

Related Translations

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