Inklingo

How to Say "speechless" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asombrado

ah-sohm-BRAH-dohasomˈbɾaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'asombrado' when you are so surprised or amazed by something that you temporarily lose the ability to speak.
A child with wide eyes and an open mouth looking at a glowing, magical butterfly.

Examples

Estoy asombrado por lo rápido que aprendes.

I am amazed by how fast you learn.

El público quedó asombrado con el truco de magia.

The audience was left astonished by the magic trick.

Me dejas asombrado con tus historias.

You leave me speechless with your stories.

Using 'Estar' vs 'Ser'

Always use 'asombrado' with 'estar' because it describes a feeling or a state that can change, not a permanent personality trait.

Matching the Person

Since this word describes a person, remember to change the ending to 'asombrada' if the person feeling amazed is female.

Using 'Ser' for emotions

Mistake: “Soy asombrado.”

Correction: Estoy asombrado. We use 'estar' for temporary feelings.

mudo

MOO-dohˈmuðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'mudo' when someone is rendered unable to speak specifically because of shock or a sudden, intense emotional reaction.
A small bird sitting on a branch with its beak closed in a quiet forest.

Examples

Él se quedó mudo por la sorpresa.

He was speechless with surprise.

Me gusta ver las películas del cine mudo.

I like watching silent films.

Describing People

When describing a woman, the word changes to 'muda'. For a group of people, use 'mudos' or 'mudas'.

Amazement vs. Shock

Learners often confuse 'asombrado' and 'mudo' by using 'mudo' for general surprise. Remember that 'mudo' specifically implies being silenced by shock, while 'asombrado' is for being amazed or astonished.

Related Translations

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