sobrenatural
/sobɾenatuˈɾal/
The Spanish word for supernatural is sobrenatural.
The word is an adjective used to describe things that are above nature.
Meaning: above nature (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
It is composed of the prefix sobre- (meaning above or over) and natural (meaning natural).
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing plural nouns, the adjective sobrenatural changes to sobrenaturales.
How do you pronounce it?
/sobɾenatuˈɾal/
Did you know?
- The word sobre can also mean 'envelope' in Spanish. While it functions as a prefix in sobrenatural, as a noun it describes the paper folder used for letters.
- Spanish speakers often distinguish between sobrenatural and paranormal. While the first often implies a divine or spiritual source, the second is typically used for ghosts and UFOs.
- While 'supernatural' can describe a person's talent in English, using sobrenatural for a person in Spanish is very rare and can sound eerie or literal.
Examples in context
- Tom cree en lo sobrenatural.Tom believes in the supernatural.This sentence shows how to use sobrenatural as a noun referring to the supernatural in general.Tatoeba #2853241 by marcelostockle, translation #2853102 by CK
- ¿Tienes alguna habilidad sobrenatural?Do you have any supernatural abilities?This sentence shows how to use sobrenatural to modify a noun.Tatoeba #7790505 by Eremon, translation #2912200 by astyng
- ¿Es posible creer que las partículas subatómicas, así como las fuerzas muy peculiares que las llevan a combinarse para generar materia, no son obra de una Inteligencia Sobrenatural?Is it possible to believe that subatomic particles, as well as the very peculiar forces that lead them to combine to generate matter, are not the work of a Supernatural Intelligence?This sentence shows how to use sobrenatural when referring to a specific intelligence.Tatoeba #10606939 by carlosalberto, translation #10606936 by carlosalberto
- Las criaturas sobrenaturales fascinan a la audiencia.Supernatural creatures captivate the audience.
- El fenómeno sobrenatural fue investigado por expertos.The supernatural phenomenon was investigated by experts.
- La película trata sobre un evento sobrenatural que ocurre en un pequeño pueblo.The movie is about a supernatural event that takes place in a small town.
- Anoche tuve una experiencia fantasmal en el bosque.Last night I had a ghostly experience in the forest.
- Hemos oído rumores de actividades paranormales en ese lugar.We've heard rumors of paranormal activity in that place.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a spooky movie.
- ElenaEsa película tiene un toque sobrenatural.That movie has a supernatural touch.
- MateoSí, me dio un poco de miedo.Yes, it gave me a little fear.
- Elena¿Crees en eventos sobrenaturales reales?Do you believe in real supernatural events?
- MateoNo, creo que todo tiene una explicación.No, I think everything has an explanation.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “supernatural” translations and entries sobrenatural, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
