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How to Say "surprises" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “surprises” is “sorpresas” — use 'sorpresas' when referring to unexpected events, gifts, or things that cause a feeling of surprise..

English → Spanish

sorpresas

/sor-PREH-sas//soɾˈpɾesas/

nounA1general
Use 'sorpresas' when referring to unexpected events, gifts, or things that cause a feeling of surprise.
A vibrant illustration showing an opened, empty gift box with bright, sparkling light bursting out of the top, symbolizing an unexpected reveal.

Examples

Me encantan las fiestas llenas de sorpresas.

I love parties full of surprises.

Siempre hay sorpresas agradables cuando viajas.

There are always pleasant surprises when you travel.

El mago tenía muchas sorpresas escondidas en su sombrero.

The magician had many surprises hidden in his hat.

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of 'sorpresa' (surprise), meaning you are talking about two or more unexpected things.

Feminine Noun

Since 'sorpresas' is feminine and plural, it requires feminine plural words to describe it, like 'las' (the) or 'muchas' (many).

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Los sorpresas”

Correction: Las sorpresas. Remember that 'sorpresa' ends in -a, making it a feminine word.

sorprende

sor-PREN-deh/soɾˈpɾende/

verbB1general
Use 'sorprende' when you mean 'he/she/it surprises' – describing the action of causing 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.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

The most common mistake is using the verb form 'sorprende' when you mean the noun 'surprises'. Remember, 'sorpresas' refers to the 'things' that surprise, while 'sorprende' is the 'action' of surprising.

Related Translations

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