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"Sorprenderle" is a form of "sorprender", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to surprise". "Lo" is a pronoun which is often translated as "it". Learn more about the difference between "lo" and "sorprenderle" below.
lo(
loh
)A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. it
¿Qué hago con el lomo de cerdo? - Cocínalo despacio.What should I do with the pork loin? - Cook it slowly.
b. him
¿Te dije que me encontré a Jonás durante las vacaciones? Lo vi en Roma.Did I tell you I bumped into Jonas over break? I saw him in Rome.
c. you
Lo admiro, señor Presidente. Usted es todo un héroe para este país.I admire you, Mr. President. You're a hero to this country.
2. (possessive)
A definite article is a word that identifies a noun as specific or known to the speaker (e.g., the girl).
a. no direct translation (before an adjective)
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Lo raro es que nunca he visto a Bruce durante el día.The weird thing is that I've never seen Bruce during the day.
No te puedes imaginar lo increíble que es Palenque.You can't imagine how incredible Palenque is.
sorprender(
sohr
-
prehn
-
dehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to surprise
Sus amigos la sorprendieron con una fiesta de cumpleaños.Her friends surprised her with a birthday party.
a. to catch
Sorprendí a mi hijo intentando sacar una galleta del tarro de galletas.I caught my son trying to take a cookie out of the cookie jar.
sorprenderse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
