Spanish word

sorprendente

Pronunciation

IPA/soɾpɾenˈdente/

Meaning

  • adjectivesurprising

Example

Es sorprendente lo rápido que mejoras.

It's surprising how quickly you improve.

Illustration for sorprendente (surprising)

More examples

Resulta sorprendente que tanta gente haya venido.

It turns out to be surprising that so many people have come.

Core concept

A striking unexpected detail that draws admiration.

Common phrases

  • resulta sorprendente

    turns out to be surprising

  • algo sorprendente

    something surprising

  • un hecho sorprendente

    a surprising fact

Similar words

asombroso: Strikes with intense surprise, often provoking awe.
increíble: Appears almost impossible to believe.
impresionante: Makes a strong, memorable impact on the mind or senses.
inesperado: Occurs when something was not anticipated.

Definition in Spanish

Que provoca asombro o admiración por ser inesperado o notable.

Word origin

Derived from Spanish sorprender (to surprise), which comes from Latin super- 'over' + prehendere 'to seize', with the -ente ending forming an adjective from the present participle.

Usage tips

  • Sorprendente often highlights unexpectedness or novelty, while impresionante emphasizes size or impact, so sorprendente fits when the surprise itself matters.

Other meanings

  • impressiveadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word