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How to Say "to surprise" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sorprender

/sor-pren-DER//soɾpɾenˈdeɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'sorprender' when you want to cause someone to feel wonder, astonishment, or a pleasant shock, often with the intention of delighting them.
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.

extrañar

eks-trah-NYAR/eɣstɾaˈɲaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'extrañar' when the surprise comes from something being unusual, out of the ordinary, or contrary to expectations, implying mild astonishment.
A character with extremely wide eyes and a dropped jaw showing intense astonishment while looking at a small, brightly colored object.

Examples

Me extraña que no haya llamado. Siempre es puntual.

It surprises me that he hasn't called. He is always punctual.

No te extrañes si la tienda está cerrada. Hoy es feriado.

Don't be surprised if the store is closed. Today is a holiday. (Reflexive usage)

Extrañamos su repentina decisión de mudarse a otro país.

We found his sudden decision to move to another country strange.

The Reflexive Form

Use 'extrañarse' (e.g., 'me extraña,' 'te extrañas') when you want to express that you are surprised or astonished by something.

Special Verb Form Needed

When 'extrañar' expresses surprise about a different person's action (e.g., 'Me extraña que [he] called'), the second verb often needs the special verb form (subjunctive): 'Me extraña que llame.'

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Me extrañé por la noticia.”

Correction: Me extrañé *de* la noticia. (I was surprised *by* the news.) The verb usually pairs with 'de' when expressing the source of surprise.

chocar

/cho-KAR//tʃoˈkaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'chocar' when the surprise is due to finding something strange, odd, or even slightly disturbing; it implies a stronger sense of disbelief or shock.
A character with wide eyes and raised eyebrows looking at a gift box with a spring-loaded toy popping out.

Examples

Me choca que no me haya llamado.

It shocks/surprises me that he hasn't called me.

Sus ideas chocan con las mías.

His ideas clash with mine.

Le choca ver tanta gente en la calle.

It surprises him to see so many people in the street.

The 'Gustar' Structure

When 'chocar' means 'to shock' or 'to surprise,' it works like the verb 'gustar.' You say 'Me choca' (It shocks me) rather than 'Yo choco' (I shock).

Triggering the Mood change

When you say 'Me choca que...' (It shocks me that...), the verb that follows must change its form (subjunctive), e.g., 'Me choca que estés aquí'.

Confusing 'I am shocked' with 'I crash'

Mistake: “Yo choco con su actitud.”

Correction: Me choca su actitud (Use 'Me' to show how it affects you emotionally).

Choosing Between 'Sorprender', 'Extrañar', and 'Chocar'

Learners often confuse 'extrañar' and 'chocar' with the more general 'sorprender'. Remember that 'extrañar' implies surprise at something unusual, while 'chocar' suggests surprise at something strange or odd. 'Sorprender' is the most versatile and can be used for both pleasant and unpleasant surprises without the specific nuance of strangeness.

Related Translations

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