Which one should you use?
While sorpresa is the noun, sorprendere is the most common verb used to express the action of surprising someone. In terms of nuance, stupore is a formal term used specifically to express astonishment or shock, while meraviglia is a formal term meaning wonder that can also be used as an alternative to express surprise.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun sorpresa is feminine. Consequently, any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form, such as una bella sorpresa.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /sorˈpre.za/.
When do people say it?
To express astonishment or surprise, you can use the exclamation Accidenti! To shout 'surprise!' (for example, when someone walks into a party), you can use Sorpresa!
Did you know?
- In Italian, the verb sorprendere can mean 'to surprise', but it also means 'to catch someone in the act', such as catching a thief.
- The verb stupire is used to describe a surprise that leaves someone speechless, though it is closely related to the English word 'stupid' via the Latin root for 'stunned'.
- The exclamation Accidenti! is a polite way to express surprise, acting as a euphemism to avoid using more aggressive or profane language.
Examples in context
- Non è una sorpresa.That's no surprise.Tatoeba #3489264 by Guybrush88, translation #5427252 by CK
- Non è una sorpresa?Isn't that a surprise?Tatoeba #3489265 by Guybrush88, translation #2646572 by CK
- Io ho una sorpresa.I have a surprise.Tatoeba #6571756 by Guybrush88, translation #3374691 by CK
- Hai visto che casino quando si sono accorti del regalo?Did you see how chaotic it was when they noticed the gift?
- Accidenti! Non mi aspettavo un regalo così costoso!Wow! I wasn't expecting such an expensive gift!
- Cavolo! Hai visto chi è appena arrivato?Wow! Did you see who just arrived?
- 222 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are talking about a gift at home.
- LorenzoHo una piccola sorpresa per te, Martina.I have a little surprise for you, Martina.
- MartinaDavvero? Che bella sorpresa!Really? What a lovely surprise!
- LorenzoSpero che la sorpresa ti piaccia.I hope you like the surprise.
- MartinaSono sicura che mi piacerà molto.I am sure I will like it a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “surprise” translations and entries sorpresa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
