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How to Say "to astonish" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sorprender

/sor-pren-DER//soɾpɾenˈdeɾ/

verbA2general
Use this word for general surprise, often with a positive or neutral connotation, and it's the most common translation for 'to surprise' or 'to astonish'.
A child with wide eyes and an open mouth looking at a large colorful gift box with a balloon popping out.

Examples

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/

verbB1general
Choose this verb when the surprise is particularly strong, leading to amazement or wonder, implying something impressive or remarkable.
A child with wide eyes and an open mouth looking at a glowing, magical butterfly.

Examples

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.

espantar

/es-pahn-TAHR//es.pan.ˈtaɾ/

verbB2general
Use this term when the astonishment is so great that it verges on shock, fear, or disgust, often implying a negative reaction.
A person with wide eyes and raised eyebrows looking at a giant, colorful flower that has grown taller than a house.

Examples

Su falta de modales espanta a cualquiera.

His lack of manners shocks anyone.

La noticia del accidente nos espantó a todos.

The news of the accident shocked us all.

Shocking News

When used for 'shocking,' it often functions like the verb 'gustar,' where the news is doing the action to you.

Choosing between 'sorprender' and 'asombrar'

Learners often use 'sorprender' for all situations of surprise. Remember that 'asombrar' implies a greater degree of amazement or wonder, often due to something impressive, while 'sorprender' is more general.

Related Translations

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