sueño
/ˈsweɲo/masculine
The English word "dream" can be translated into Spanish as sueño. Wiktionary also lists ensueño.
Meaning: imaginary events seen while sleeping (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sueño | /ˈsweɲo/ | masculine |
| ensueño | /enˈsweɲo/ | masculine |
The noun refers to the imaginary events seen while sleeping. It can also be used to refer to the sensation of sleepiness or drowsiness.
Which one should you use?
sueño is the standard word for a dream occurring during sleep or the feeling of being sleepy. In contrast, ensueño refers to a more poetic, dreamy or idealized state of being, such as a dreamlike state or a reverie.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the related verb soñar to say that you dream about something, you must use the preposition con after the verb, such as in Sueño con viajar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsweɲo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the construction soñar de to mean "to dream about". Instead, always use soñar con.
Did you know?
- The word ensueño is a linguistic relative of 'insomnia'. They both share roots in the Latin concept of dreaming or sleep states.
- In certain contexts, calling something un sueño can be used as an adjective to describe something perfectly beautiful, similar to saying 'it is a dream' in English.
- Because sueño describes both the act of dreaming and the need to sleep, a speaker can use the same word to describe a nightmare and a nap.
Examples in context
- No fue un sueño.It wasn't a dream.This sentence is useful for using the noun sueño in a negative statement.Tatoeba #2158058 by hayastan, translation #2045343 by CK
- Sólo es un sueño.It's just a dream.This sentence is useful for using the noun sueño to say something is just a dream.Tatoeba #505813 by Shishir, translation #505809 by Alkrasnov
- Es solo un sueño.It's only a dream.This sentence is useful for using the noun sueño to say something is only a dream.Tatoeba #1110085 by hayastan, translation #505811 by CM
- Tengo un sueñoI have a dream
- 316 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are having breakfast together.
- JavierTuve un sueño muy extraño anoche.I had a very strange dream last night.
- María¿De qué trataba el sueño?What was the dream about?
- JavierEstábamos volando sobre la ciudad.We were flying over the city.
- María¡Qué sueño tan interesante!What an interesting dream!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dream” translations and entries sueño, ensueño, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ensueño, sueño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
