vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Sorprenderse" is a pronominal verb which is often translated as "to be surprised", and "sorprender" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to surprise". Learn more about the difference between "sorprenderse" and "sorprender" below.
sorprenderse(
sohr
-
prehn
-
dehr
-
seh
)A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
sorprender
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.
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.).
