Inklingo

How to Say "is surprising" in Spanish

The Spanish word foris surprisingis sorprendeB1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishB1
verbB1
It causes surprise
A small, round character standing with an expression of wide-eyed surprise and an open mouth, looking down at a single, bright red flower that has unexpectedly popped up right in front of its feet.

Examples

Me sorprende que sepas tanto de eso.

It surprises me that you know so much about that.

Él sorprende a todos con su talento.

He surprises everyone with his talent.

La tormenta nos sorprende en medio de la carretera.

The storm catches us by surprise in the middle of the road.

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).

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.

Related Translations

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