suena como
/swena komo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sounds like" can be translated into Spanish as suena como.
suena como is used to say that a sound is similar to another sound or that a piece of information seems to be a certain way.
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?
The verb must agree in number with the subject. Use suenan como if the subject is plural. When expressing that something sounds like a hypothetical situation, suena como si is used followed by the imperfect subjunctive.
Did you know?
- While suena como is common, Spanish speakers often use the word parece, meaning 'it seems', to express that an idea 'sounds like' a good plan. Using suena in these cases can sometimes feel like an anglicism influenced by English.
- The word como in suena como actually traces its roots back to a Latin form of 'how', making the literal connection closer to 'sounds as how'.
- If a sound is particularly loud or jarring, a speaker might use the verb estruendar instead of sonar. This distinguishes a pleasant or neutral sound from a 'deafening' one.
Examples in context
- Suena como una buena idea.That sounds like a good idea.This sentence is useful for showing how to use suena como to express an opinion on an idea.Tatoeba #1507369 by marcelostockle, translation #869508 by CK
- Eso suena como una amenaza.That sounds like a threat.This sentence demonstrates how to use suena como to describe a perceived threat.Tatoeba #4598024 by cueyayotl, translation #3819742 by CK
- Suena como si fuera un sueño.It sounds like a dream.This sentence shows how to use suena como to describe something that seems like a dream.Tatoeba #1279939 by marcelostockle, translation #42073 by CM
- El sonido de la "ñ" tiene un sonido similar a la "ny" en inglés.The sound of "ñ" has a similar tone to "ny" in English.
- El cambio de sonido de "b" a "v" se parece a un murmullo suave.The sound change from "b" to "v" sounds like a soft murmur.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are listening to a strange noise coming from the garden.
- Lucía¿Escuchaste eso?Did you hear that?
- JavierSí, suena como un gato.Yes, it sounds like a cat.
- LucíaNo estoy segura de que sea un gato.I am not sure it is a cat.
- JavierTienes razón, suena muy extraño.You are right, it sounds very strange.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries como, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
