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"Sonreír" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to smile", and "sonreírse" is a pronominal verb which is also often translated as "to smile". Learn more about the difference between "sonreír" and "sonreírse" below.
sonreír()
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to smile
Lucía sonrió al ver el cachorro.Lucia smiled when she saw the puppy.
a. to smile on
Parece que la vida me sonríe: al fin he encontrado un trabajo donde me valoran de verdad.It seems that life smiles on me: I have finally found a job where I'm really valued.
sonreírse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to smile
Se sonrió al ver a su hijo reír.She smiled when she saw her son laughing.
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sonreírse()
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to smile
Se sonrió al ver a su hijo reír.She smiled when she saw her son laughing.
sonreír
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to smile
Lucía sonrió al ver el cachorro.Lucia smiled when she saw the puppy.
a. to smile on
Parece que la vida me sonríe: al fin he encontrado un trabajo donde me valoran de verdad.It seems that life smiles on me: I have finally found a job where I'm really valued.
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.