surrealista
/sureaˈlista/
The English word surreal is translated into Spanish as surrealista.
The term is used to describe something that is fantastic and incongruous.
Meaning: fantastic and incongruous (adj)
Which one should you use?
While surrealista is used to describe something as surreal, it is also the standard term used to refer to the Surrealist art movement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective surrealista is invariable in gender, meaning it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine noun. To make the adjective plural, add an -s to form surrealistas.
How do you pronounce it?
/sureaˈlista/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, surrealista is often used colloquially to describe bureaucratic absurdities or confusing political situations, moving beyond its origins in art.
- Spanish writers often contrast surrealista with realismo mágico or 'magical realism', a literary style where the surreal is treated as a normal part of everyday life.
- While surrealista describes the bizarre, Spanish speakers often use the phrase de película ('like a movie') to describe a scene that feels surreal but is actually impressive.
Examples in context
- La situación parecía irrealThe situation seemed surreal
- La película que vimos era de locosThe movie we watched was surreal
- Fue una experiencia surrealista.It was a surreal experience.
- La película tiene un estilo surrealista.The movie has a surreal style.
- Fue un sueño muy surrealista.It was a very surreal dream.
- Me gusta el arte surrealista de este museo.I like the surreal art of this museum.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are visiting a modern art gallery.
- DanielMira este cuadro, es muy surrealista.Look at this painting, it is very surreal.
- MaríaTienes razón, Daniel. No tiene sentido.You are right, Daniel. It makes no sense.
- DanielMe gusta cómo mezcla los colores.I like how it mixes the colors.
- MaríaEs una obra fascinante, María piensa.It is a fascinating work, María thinks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry surrealista, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
