soñador
/soɲaˈdoɾ/
The English word 'dreamy' can be translated into Spanish as soñador.
In Spanish, the word you choose for 'dreamy' depends on whether you are describing a person or an atmosphere. While soñador can refer to a pleasant atmosphere, it is most commonly used to describe a person who is a 'dreamer'. To describe a pleasant, romantic or surreal atmosphere, such as a 'dreamy' landscape, the phrase de ensueño is often more natural.
Meaning: having a pleasant or romantic atmosphere (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use soñador when describing a person who is a dreamer. For a romantic or pleasant atmosphere, use the phrase de ensueño. For a more formal context, you may use the adjective onírico/a, which translates to 'oneiric' or 'dreamlike'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective soñador changes to soñadora if it is used to describe a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/soɲaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if someone is está soñando while awake, it is often a sarcastic way to tell them they are delusional or completely wrong.
- The formal word onírico comes from the Greek word 'oneiros', which refers to the personification of dreams in mythology.
- In Spanish, the concept of 'dreaming' is split between soñar for the sleep state and fantasear for waking daydreams, though soñador can cover both personas.
Examples in context
- Su mirada soñadora me transporta a un mundo mágico.Her dreamy gaze transports me to a magical world.
- El atardecer en la playa era ensoñado, con colores que parecían sacados de un cuento.The sunset at the beach was dreamy, with colors that seemed out of a fairytale.
- El bosque tenía un aspecto onírico, como si hubiera salido de un sueño.The forest had a dreamlike appearance, as if it had come out of a dream.
- un paisaje de ensueñoA dreamy landscape
Example conversation
María and Javier are visiting a beautiful garden.
- MaríaMira estas flores, Javier.Look at these flowers, Javier.
- JavierEl jardín es realmente soñador.The garden is truly dreamy.
- MaríaMe siento muy relajada aquí.I feel very relaxed here.
- JavierYo también, es un lugar mágico.Me too, it is a magical place.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry soñador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
