asombro
/aˈsombɾo/masculine
The English word awe is translated into Spanish as asombro.
asombro is a noun used to describe a feeling of amazement or wonder. To express the phrase 'in awe' or 'with awe', use the prepositional phrase con asombro.
Meaning: feeling of amazement (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the noun asombro refers specifically to the feeling of amazement or wonder, the related verb asombrar can also mean to stun or shock someone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase ¡Qué padre! is used to express awe, often translated as 'How cool!' or 'How awesome!'
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
asombro is a masculine noun. It is used with the indefinite article un or the definite article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈsombɾo/
Did you know?
- The word asombro is rooted in sombra, meaning 'shadow'. To feel awe in Spanish is etymologically like being cast into a shadow or being overshadowed by something great.
- To describe the physical sensation of being left speechless by awe, Spanish speakers often use the idiomatic phrase quedarse boquiabierto, which literally means to be left with one's mouth wide open.
- While asombro is neutral, Spanish speakers often use the word estupefacción to describe a state of awe so intense that it leaves a person unable to speak or move.
Examples in context
- Me llenó de asombro la belleza del paisajeThe beauty of the landscape filled me with awe
- Sentí una gran admiración al ver su talentoI felt great awe when seeing their talent
- ¡Guau! ¡Qué increíble es este lugar!Wow! How amazing this place is!
- ¡Increíble! No puedo creer lo que estoy viendoIncredible! I can't believe what I'm seeing
- La majestuosidad del templo me llenó de asombroThe majesty of the temple filled me with awe
- Su música es una obra de arte. Siento una gran admiración por su talentoTheir music is a work of art. I feel great awe for their talent
- ¡Guau! Ese truco de magia fue increíbleWow! That magic trick was amazing
- ¡Increíble! No puedo creer lo rápido que corrióIncredible! I can't believe how fast he ran
- Miró la inmensidad del mar con asombro.He looked at the immensity of the sea with awe.
- Siento un gran asombro ante este paisaje.I feel great awe at this landscape.
- El asombro en sus ojos era evidente.The awe in his eyes was evident.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are looking at a starry night sky.
- MaríaMira todas esas estrellas, Daniel.Look at all those stars, Daniel.
- DanielEs un espectáculo que causa asombro.It is a spectacle that causes awe.
- MaríaEs realmente impresionante.It is truly impressive.
- DanielTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “awe” translations and entries asombro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asombro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
