suena encantador
/swena enkantadoɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'sounds lovely' is translated into Spanish as suena encantador.
This expression is used to indicate that a suggestion or a piece of news seems very pleasant.
Which one should you use?
While suena bien is a common and neutral way to say 'sounds good', suena encantador is more emphatic and carries a more poetic or highly enthusiastic tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb suena is the third-person singular form of sonar (to sound). If the suggestion or news being referred to is a feminine noun, the adjective changes to the feminine form suena encantadora.
Did you know?
- The word encantador shares its root with the English word 'enchant', both descending from the Latin 'incantare' which means 'to chant a magic spell over'.
- In Spanish, the phrase me suena is often used to say 'that sounds familiar' or 'I think I've heard that before', regardless of whether the news is lovely or not.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, using encantador to describe a person can occasionally be perceived as slightly condescending or patronizing, depending on the tone.
Examples in context
- Vamos a cenar en ese nuevo restaurante esta noche. ¡Suena genial!We're going to have dinner at that new restaurant tonight. Sounds great!
- Ese plan suena encantador.That plan sounds lovely.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are planning a date.
- AlejandroPodemos cenar en el jardín bajo las estrellas.We could have dinner in the garden under the stars.
- Lucía¡Eso suena encantador, Alejandro!That sounds lovely, Alejandro!
- AlejandroYo prepararé el vino y la música.I will prepare the wine and the music.
- LucíaPerfecto, entonces nos vemos a las ocho.Perfect, then I'll see you at eight.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries encantador, CC BY-SA 4.0.
