soñador
/soɲaˈdoɾ/masculine
The English word 'dreamer' is translated into Spanish as soñador.
soñador refers to one who dreams. While it can refer to someone having literal dreams during sleep, it is most commonly used metaphorically to describe an idealist or someone with lofty ambitions.
Meaning: one who dreams (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the verb soñar (to dream) and the suffix -dor, which denotes an agent or person who performs an action.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the gender or number of the word, use these forms:
– soñadora for a feminine dreamer. – soñadores for masculine plural dreamers. – soñadoras for feminine plural dreamers.
How do you pronounce it?
/soɲaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- While soñador describes a hopeful idealist, the phrase estar en las nubes (to be in the clouds) is the common idiomatic way to describe someone acting like a 'dreamer' who is distracted or out of touch with reality.
- The word soñador shares a root with the English word 'insomnia', as both derive from the Latin 'somnus' meaning 'sleep'.
- In Spanish, if you call someone an iluso, you are using a much stronger term for 'dreamer' that implies they are being foolish or delusional.
Examples in context
- Él es un soñador.He is a dreamer.This sentence is useful for saying 'He is a dreamer' using soñador.Tatoeba #3287819 by cueyayotl, translation #3288024 by CM
- Tom siempre fue un soñador.Tom was always a dreamer.This sentence is useful for saying 'Tom was always a dreamer' using soñador.Tatoeba #2154846 by hayastan, translation #2045447 by CK
- Él no es más que un soñador.He is nothing more than a dreamer.Tatoeba #4755305 by DarkHollow, translation #303967 by CK
- Él es un soñador por naturaleza, siempre tiene grandes aspiraciones.He is a dreamer by nature, he always has big aspirations.
- Es admirable cómo sigue siendo un soñador a pesar de los obstáculos.It's admirable how he remains a dreamer despite the obstacles.
- Es un soñadorcito, siempre imaginando cosas nuevas.He's a little dreamer, always imagining new things.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about his ambitious career plans.
- María¿Crees que tus planes son demasiado locos?Do you think your plans are too crazy?
- JavierNo, solo soy un soñador con grandes metas.No, I am just a dreamer with big goals.
- MaríaJavier, eres un soñador muy persistente.Javier, you are a very persistent dreamer.
- JavierGracias, María, intento no rendirme nunca.Thanks, María, I try never to give up.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dreamer” translations and entries soñador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
