suena como
/swena komo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "it sounds like" is translated as suena como.
Use suena como when you are comparing a sound to a specific noun, for example, suena como un tambor (it sounds like a drum).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the third-person singular of the verb sonar (to sound) and the conjunction como (like/as).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say "they sound like", use the plural form suenan como. When suena como is followed by a clause containing a subject and a verb rather than just a noun, you should use suena como si followed by the imperfect subjunctive.
Did you know?
- The verb sonar is used to describe the act of blowing one's nose. To sonarse la nariz literally means to make one's nose sound.
- If you are describing a sound that is 'off' or 'not quite right' in a metaphorical sense, such as a suspicious idea, Spanish speakers often use the verb oler (to smell) instead of sonar.
- The verb sonar is used in the common idiom no me suena, which translates to 'it doesn't sound familiar to me'. This is the standard way to say you do not recognize a name or a place.
Examples in context
- Suena como si fuera un sueño.It sounds like a dream.This sentence is useful for using the form suena como to describe something as being like a dream.Tatoeba #1279939 by marcelostockle, translation #42073 by CM
- Suena como si goteara el grifo.It sounds like the faucet is dripping.This sentence shows how to use suena como to describe a dripping sound.Tatoeba #6569828 by arh, translation #6569156 by CK
- Suena como si goteara el grifo de la cocina.It sounds like the faucet in the kitchen is dripping.This sentence shows how to use suena como to specify that the dripping is coming from a kitchen faucet.Tatoeba #6569827 by arh, translation #6569157 by CK
- ¡Al parecer se enamoró a primera vista!It sounds like he/she fell in love at first sight!
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are listening to a strange noise in the street.
- María¿Qué es ese ruido extraño?What is that strange noise?
- JavierSuena como un pájaro grande.It sounds like a large bird.
- MaríaNo creo que sea un pájaro, Javier.I don't think it's a bird, Javier.
- JavierTienes razón, suena como un juguete.You are right, it sounds like a toy.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
