How to Say "to amaze" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to amaze” is “sorprender” — use this word when the primary feeling is surprise, even if it's a strong one. It's the most general and common translation for 'to surprise' or 'to amaze'..
sorprender
/sor-pren-DER//soɾpɾenˈdeɾ/
Examples
El truco de magia logró sorprender a todo el público.
The magic trick managed to amaze the entire audience.
Quiero sorprender a mi madre con un regalo especial.
I want to surprise my mother with a special gift.
Sus habilidades para el piano me sorprenden mucho.
His piano skills surprise me a lot.
Me sorprende que todavía no hayas terminado la tarea.
It surprises me that you haven't finished your homework yet.
Using the 'Gustar' Style
When saying something surprises you, it works like 'gustar'. You say 'Me sorprende esto' (This surprises me) rather than 'Yo sorprendo'.
Triggers for Special Verb Forms
Phrases like 'Me sorprende que...' require a special verb form (the subjunctive) because you are expressing a feeling about an action.
Confusing 'Surprised' vs 'To Surprise'
Mistake: “Yo sorprendo de la noticia.”
Correction: Me sorprendo de la noticia or La noticia me sorprende. Use the 'me' form when you are the one feeling the emotion.
asombrar
/ah-sohm-BRAHR//asomˈbɾaɾ/
Examples
La belleza del paisaje nos dejó asombrados.
The beauty of the landscape left us amazed.
Tu capacidad para aprender idiomas nos va a asombrar a todos.
Your ability to learn languages is going to amaze us all.
Me asombra que todavía no hayas visto esa película.
It amazes me that you still haven't seen that movie.
El gran edificio asombraba la pequeña callejuela.
The large building shaded the small narrow street.
Using 'Asombrar' with Emotions
When you say something amazes you ('Me asombra que...'), the verb in the second part of the sentence needs a special form because you are expressing a feeling or reaction.
The Person Affected
Use 'me, te, le, nos, os, les' to show who is feeling the amazement. For example, 'Le asombra' means 'It amazes him/her'.
Using 'asombrar' for 'to be scared'
Mistake: “Using 'asombrar' when you mean 'to frighten'.”
Correction: While 'asombrar' relates to shadows, in modern Spanish use 'asustar' for being scared. 'Asombrar' is almost always for being impressed or surprised.
alucinar
/ah-loo-thee-NAHR//aluθiˈnaɾ/
Examples
¡Vas a alucinar con el final de la película!
You're going to be blown away by the end of the movie!
Alucino con lo rápido que aprendes.
I'm amazed at how fast you learn.
Me alucina que todavía no lo sepas.
It blows my mind that you still don't know.
Using 'Con'
When you want to say what is amazing you, use the word 'con' right after alucinar. For example: 'Alucino con tu talento' (I'm amazed by your talent).
The 'Gustar' Pattern
You can also use it like the word 'gustar.' If you say 'Me alucina,' you are saying 'It amazes me' or 'It blows my mind.'
Too much for small things
Mistake: “Using 'alucinar' for a small, pleasant surprise.”
Correction: Use it only for things that are truly shocking or incredible. For small things, use 'me gusta' or 'me sorprende'.
Choosing Between Sorprender and Asombrar
Related Translations
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