me sorprende
/me soɾpɾende/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I am surprised" is expressed as me sorprende.
The phrase me sorprende is used to express that something is unexpected or astonishing. The phrase "Me sorprende" emphasizes surprise in a neutral tone.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, me sorprende translates to "it surprises me."
Which one should you use?
While me sorprende focuses on the thing causing the surprise, Estoy sorprendido/a focuses on the person's state of being surprised.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this phrase to express an emotion about a specific fact or action, the following clause must use the subjunctive mood. Additionally, because the subject of the sentence is the thing causing the surprise, the verb sorprende remains in the third-person singular form even if the person being surprised is plural (e.g., nos sorprende).
How do you pronounce it?
/me soɾpɾende/
Did you know?
- In some regions, people express surprise using the phrase ¡Qué fuerte!, which literally means 'how strong'. It is used as a reaction to shocking news, even if nothing physically strong is involved.
- While me sorprende is neutral, Spanish speakers often use the word asombrar for a deeper sense of awe or wonder. The word asombrar is related to the word for 'shadow' sombra, suggesting that great surprise leaves a person in the dark or stunned.
- Spanish speakers often use the verb flipar in Spain to express that they are extremely surprised or 'tripping out'. This is a slang term that is not used in Latin American countries, where it might be misunderstood.
Examples in context
- Me sorprende que ella rechazara una oferta tan buena.I am surprised that she refused such a good offer.This sentence shows how to express surprise regarding a specific action using the form me sorprende.Tatoeba #872719 by Shishir, translation #308080 by CK
- Me sorprende verte en este hotel.I am surprised to see you here in this hotel.This sentence demonstrates using me sorprende to express surprise at seeing someone.Tatoeba #2378603 by fgreco, translation #60499 by CK
- Me sorprende su amabilidad.I am surprised by your kindness.
- Me sorprende lo bien organizado que está todo.I am surprised by how well organized everything is.
- Estoy sorprendido por tu generosidad.I am surprised by your generosity.
- Estoy sorprendida de que hayan ganado el premio.I am surprised that they won the award.
- ¡No me lo puedo creer! Ganamos el partido por un punto.I can't believe it! We won the game by one point.
- ¡Qué sorpresa! Pensé que no vendrías a la fiesta.What a surprise! I thought you wouldn't come to the party.
- ¡Qué sorpresa! Nunca imaginé que ganarías el concurso.What a surprise! I never imagined you would win the competition.
- Me sorprende su actitud hoy.His attitude surprises me today.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a sudden change in the weather.
- AlejandroEl cielo está muy oscuro de repente.The sky is very dark suddenly.
- MaríaSí, me sorprende que llueva tan pronto.Yes, it surprises me that it is raining so soon.
- AlejandroDeberíamos entrar a la casa ahora.We should go inside the house now.
- MaríaTienes razón, Alejandro.You are right, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
